LA PRESENCIA DE IRáN EN AMéRICA LATINA A TRAVéS DE SU INFLUENCIA EN LOS PAíSES DEL ALBA

in this paper, we examine the presence of iran in latin america through its connections with three countries that are members of the "alternativa bolivariana para américa latina y el caribe" (alba) -venezuela, nicaragua, bolivia- and one that is an observer of this association -ecuador-. we argue that these relations cover not only the economic level, but incorporate also the political, cultural and military levels. this is a strategic relationship in which both sides seek political advantages. on one hand, iran seeks to overcome its international isolation and present itself as a platform of opposition to the united states; on the other hand, framing the latter in the context of south- south relations.