RUSSIAN RESURGENCE IN PERU: RETURN OF THE BEAR?

Abstract

After a military coup in Peru in 1968, General Juan Velasco Alvarado began a political, economic, and security relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This marked the first instance of the Soviet Union gaining a foothold in South America, and Peru became one of the largest purchasers of Soviet-made military equipment in Latin America. Peru and Russia have renewed their relationship in the years since 2008. This thesis compares the similarities between Soviet and contemporary Russian interaction with Peru, assesses the level of influence Russia currently has, and gauges the threat to American interests. Research consulted available unclassified scholarly work. It is most likely in Peru’s national security interest to diversify partnerships, and to upgrade and maintain military equipment. Russia’s motivations are ambiguous, and Russia may be attempting to undermine U.S. influence in Peru by increasing Peru’s reliance on Moscow. This thesis has discovered Russia’s influence does not currently rise to a significant national security threat for the United States or Peru. However, the more connected the two countries become, the more power Russia may hold over the fragile and politically chaotic state of Peru. It is critical that the United States maintains an active role in Peru and remains an engaged and reliable partner. If the United States is able to maintain a strong relationship with Peru, it will be able to lessen Russia’s influence.