Covert Allies: How Russia Fuels Authoritarianism in America’s Backyard

Russian Influence Looms: A Game of Power Over Latin America

     Russia’s growing grip on Latin and South America isn’t some Cold War rerun—it’s a sharp, modern power play, with authoritarian regimes as the pawns. In countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, Moscow’s been busy, striking deals that swap military hardware, cash flow, and cutting-edge spy tech for unflinching loyalty. It’s not just about propping up dictators; it’s about tilting the balance of power in their favor and giving the U.S. a serious run for its money in its own backyard. The game isn’t just about who wins—it’s about who controls the board.

     In Venezuela, Russia’s got its hooks in deep. Since 2005, Caracas has shelled out over $4 billion for Russian firepower—Sukhoi fighter jets, Kalashnikov rifles, the works—turning its military into a force to reckon with in the region. But Moscow’s support isn’t just about selling weapons. They’ve handed over top-tier surveillance tech, giving Nicolás Maduro a serious edge in keeping tabs on his critics and crushing opposition before it gets legs. And when the world started calling foul on Maduro’s elections, Russia didn’t flinch. They were first in line to back him up, throwing economic lifelines his way to help him dodge U.S. sanctions and keep his regime afloat.

     The same story’s unfolding in Nicaragua, where Daniel Ortega’s regime has latched onto Russia’s SORM surveillance tech like it’s the golden ticket for silencing opposition. And it’s working—big time. Meanwhile, whispers about a Russian-built cyber warfare hub in the country are making people nervous, hinting at a bigger play to control the flow of information and keep an eye on anyone who dares to step out of line. Over in Cuba, it’s déjà vu. Russian intelligence has been working hand-in-hand with Havana for years, running spy ops against U.S. facilities. There’s even talk of reactivating the old Lourdes SIGINT site to eavesdrop on American communications. It’s the same playbook, just with updated tech.

     For readers of my spy thriller Crimson Shadows, this real-world interplay of espionage and alliances may feel strikingly familiar. The novel thrusts CIA operative Corey Pearson and his team into the heart of Central America, where they unravel a sinister network of Russian operatives backing a rogue general. Set against the steamy backdrop of a jungle plantation, Corey’s mission mirrors real-life covert operations, blending the adrenaline of Apache helicopters and drone surveillance with the stark reality of Russian influence shaping dictatorships in the region. Much like the unfolding geopolitical landscape, Corey’s battle against General Hector Alvarez is a high-stakes game where every move has global repercussions.

     Russia’s game in Latin America isn’t just cloak-and-dagger stuff—it’s also a masterclass in economic sabotage. Take Venezuela’s Petro cryptocurrency, a digital end-run around U.S. sanctions cooked up with Russian know-how. Caracas rolled it out to dodge the dollar and throw a wrench in the U.S.-led economic order. But it doesn’t stop there. Nicaragua and Cuba have been all-in on Russian tech too, using it to launch cyberattacks and flood the digital space with disinformation aimed at U.S. policies. It’s a new kind of warfare—one fought with keyboards and code, not boots on the ground.

     The fallout is real and far-reaching. Russian advisors are training Nicaraguan troops, sharpening their ability to squash U.S.-backed opposition groups. In Cuba, cyber operations bankrolled by Moscow are ramping up, chipping away at U.S. influence one disinformation campaign at a time. These moves don’t make headlines, but they pack a punch, steadily eroding democracy and tipping the scales in favor of authoritarian regimes across the region.

     Crimson Shadows dives headfirst into a world where espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action collide with the real-life echoes of Russian schemes. Corey Pearson’s mission to dismantle a dangerous Russian-cartel alliance isn’t just a thrill ride—it’s a stark reminder of how crucial intelligence work is in staying ahead of global threats. The novel doesn’t just capture the fight for Central America’s stability; it lays bare the ripple effects on power dynamics worldwide.

     The twist is that while the story’s fiction, it’s deeply grounded in reality. Russia’s moves in Latin America feel like Cold War 2.0, only this time they’ve swapped out old-school tactics for modern tools like arms deals, surveillance systems, and cryptocurrencies. The playbook’s clear—prop up regimes that trade democracy for control. For the U.S. and its allies, this is a battle fought as much in the shadows as in the light of day- a reminder that once you lose your grip, getting it back is a long, uphill battle.

 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the creator of the Corey Pearson - CIA Spymaster Short Story Series. These gripping spy thrillers pack all the action, intrigue, and twists you crave into stories you can enjoy in just 20-30 minutes—perfect for reading in one sitting.