Political Relations Between Russia and Latin America: A Study of Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements with Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico

This paper explores Russia’s political engagement with Latin America by analyzing bilateral and multilateral agreements signed with Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico from the early 2000s to 2024. As global power dynamics shift and the international system fragments, Russia has expanded ties with Latin America, seeking strategic partnerships and diplomatic diversification beyond its Euro-Asian sphere. The study examines how Russia’s presence has been institutionalized through agreements in diplomacy, defense, energy, education, technology transfer, and coordination in global forums. By mapping and comparing the content, frequency, and focus of these agreements, the research assesses the depth and nature of Russia’s ties with each country. The findings show uneven engagement: Venezuela is Russia’s closest partner, with many agreements in defense, intelligence, and state cooperation during Chávez and Maduro. Brazil, while more autonomous, expanded ties through BRICS and dialogues on multipolarity and global governance. Mexico has historically kept pragmatic, less politicized relations, focusing on cultural diplomacy and economic complementarity. These cases show distinct models: Venezuela reflects strategic partnership and ideological closeness; Brazil shows balanced cooperation through multilateralism; Mexico illustrates pragmatic, limited ties. The research also highlights multilateral platforms—CELAC, BRICS, and the UN—as spaces where Russia seeks legitimacy and influence in Latin America. Methodologically, the study combines qualitative content analysis of agreements with descriptive statistics to identify patterns and themes, ensuring depth and comparability. The paper argues that Russia’s strategy combines pragmatic diplomacy with a symbolic counter-hegemonic narrative and support for a multipolar order. This comparative study broadens understanding of how Russia navigates Latin American politics and what these evolving ties imply for regional autonomy, global alignments, and changing international norms.

Keywords: Political Diplomacy; Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements; Russia-Latin America Relations.