Iran and the Spread of Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism in Latin America

Abstract

This paper focuses on Iranian propaganda and ideological indoctrination in Latin America, which contains a strong component of anti-Zionism and antisemitism. Iran has various interests in the region, and Latin America‘s geographical proximity to the United States could facilitate hostile retaliatory action by Iran against the US. Iran has capitalized on existing political trends in various countries by establishing solid ties with authoritarian populists, left-wing governments, and social movements. However, Iran has also seen the extreme right wing as an asset. The paper studies Iran’s ties and actions, particularly its propaganda campaigns, reviewing events in various locations – Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile – and showing how in each country Iran has based its activity on local trends of new populist movements, regimes, and intellectual support for them across Latin America. This study indicates Iran ‘s allies in the region – governments, political parties, NGOs, and social movements hostile to Israel – and points out some worrisome challenges. The fact that some groups and parties are calling for the elimination of Zionism shows the extent to which Iranian and Palestinian propaganda has made headway, particularly on the left. Although the antisemitic right has less mass appeal in Latin America, it may gain strength in the future as conspiracy theories become more and more mainstream worldwide.