Washington think-tank leaders Humire (Center for a Secure Free Society) and Berman (American Foreign Policy Council) argue that there is a threatening link between Iraniam radicalism and Latin American leftist populist regimes. They have assembled a group of Latin American former military and intelligence officers, public officeholders, journalists, and academics to provide country-specific cases of how—through mainly covert, clandestine operations—Iran has intruded into Latin America, thereby posing a threat to democratic regimes. The goal of the volume is to expose Iran's systematic, long-term strategy to expand its influence and capability in the Western Hemisphere and to prompt greater US engagement to counter the intrusion and its disruptive influence. The work is up-to-date in its coverage of regional events, but it maintains a very specialized focus. Recommended for those libraries with extensive holdings on Latin American politics. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers.

Choice Reviews

Iran's Strategic Penetration of Latin America does a good job of providing an overall picture of Iran's infiltration of South and Central America and the Caribbean. It also raises the question of what the future holds for the region.

Family Security Matters

This dispassionate analysis of Iranian involvement in Latin America is an ambitious and successful attempt to persuade readers of the profound national security implications of Iran’s growing influence in that region. . . .Iran’s Strategic Penetration of Latin America provides one of the most current, consolidated reports on Iran’s current and past activities in the region, as well as the collective interpretation of Iranian strategic objectives in the hemisphere. Recognizing that some readers might find the theme of Iran’s Strategic Penetration radical, Humire addresses these concerns by emphasizing that many of the contributors are Latin American journalists, academics, and government leaders, thus avoiding a U.S.-centric argument. . . .For national security professionals, diplomats, and other stakeholders who are engaged in partnerships and business in Latin America, Iran’s Strategic Penetration of Latin America will serve as a wake-up call to the growing network of Iranian connections in the region and growing threat to U.S. national interests. If occasionally alarmist, it is readily apparent that Humire, Berman, and the other authors are whole-heartedly committed to illuminating Iran’s activities to the widest possible audience. After reading this informative exposé, if not yet converted, readers may be well on their way.

Small Wars Journal

When the late Hugo Chávez proclaimed Venezuela's ‘Axis of Unity’ with Iran in July 2006, many western intelligence agencies did not take him seriously. Eight years later, this union has enabled Iran’s feared Revolutionary Guards and other military and intelligence assets to have a robust presence in the Western Hemisphere. Sadly, the majority of Latin Americans are still ignorant of this threat that Joseph Humire and Ilan Berman present in this important and timely book. Hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call to my fellow countrymen.

Diego E. Arria, former president of the United Nations Security Council and presidential candidate in Venezuela

There is a lot going on in Latin America that is having and will continue to have a significant political and security impact on the region—and the United States. One extremely important issue centers on Iran’s (and Hezbollah’s) covert activities. Joseph Humire and Ilan Berman have brought together an impressive array of authorities who spell out the complexity and relevance of Iran’s covert efforts in the Americas. This book should be required reading for anyone in the Western Hemisphere concerned with the security and well-being of themselves, their children, and their grandchildren.

Max G. Manwaring, Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College