
Research Publications
Files
Description
This report examines Russia’s increasing influence in the Central Andes, specifically in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, and highlights the adverse outcomes associated with this influence. Russia has significantly expanded its regional presence through security, diplomatic, and disinformation channels, taking advantage of geopolitical instability and economic vulnerabilities. Key developments include Russia’s involvement in Bolivia’s energy sector, particularly oil and lithium, mainly through its giant state-controlled companies Gazprom and Rosatom.
Russian disinformation has also significantly amplified propaganda, mainly through Bolivia’s Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) government. It has also used media manipulation to limit dissent and silence opposition, using its leverage and connections to increase its gray zone footprint in the region. Although Russian influence is most pronounced in Bolivia, changing electoral and geopolitical dynamics in Peru and Ecuador could potentially contribute to expanding it in those two countries.
Publication Date
Winter 1-30-2025
Publisher
Florida International University
City
Miami
Disciplines
Political Science
Recommended Citation
Bouchard, Joseph, "Shadow Games: Russian Disinformation, Criminal Networks, and Strategic Encroachment in the Central Andes" (2025). Research Publications. 71.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/jgi_research/71
Rights Statement
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).