Venezuela | Council on Foreign Relations

Venezuela: The Rise and Fall of a Petrostate

Venezuela’s descent into economic and political chaos in recent years is a cautionary tale of the dangerous influence that resource wealth can have on developing countries.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy and Amelia Cheatham Jul 31, 2024

The Day After in Venezuela

If Nicolas Maduro relinquishes power, he will leave behind a country in economic and political ruin and the Western Hemisphere’s largest humanitarian crisis. The United States and its international partners should prepare now to help Venezuelans address major security and justice challenges.

Council Special Report by Paul J. Angelo Sep 24, 2020

A Venezuelan Refugee Crisis

In addition to a sharp economic downturn, Venezuela faces a humanitarian crisis. The United States can do little to prevent a downward spiral, but it should take measures to mitigate the political, economic, and humanitarian consequences of a potential mass emigration.

Contingency Planning Memorandum by Shannon K. O'Neil Feb 15, 2018

Venezuela

More Hostages But No More Sanctions: The Failure of Biden Administration Venezuela Policy

The arrest of a fourth American hostage by the Maduro regime in Venezuela shows the failure of Biden administration policy there. It is time to reimpose sanctions on Venezuelan oil.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams September 18, 2024 Pressure Points
Venezuela

Oil Companies, Biden Policies, and Democracy in Venezuela

The activities of U.S. and European oil companies in Venezuela are helping the Maduro regime crush democracy there, and the Biden administration should now fully reimpose U.S. sanctions.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams September 7, 2024 Pressure Points
Israel

Gaza’s Troubled Cease-Fire Efforts, Harris and Trump Debate, Toronto International Film Fest, and More

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar prepare another cease-fire proposal after Hamas killed six Israeli hostages and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu demanded control of the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border; Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump hold their first presidential debate; the Toronto International Film Festival showcases independent films spanning from Hungary to Georgia and more; and the United States seizes Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s plane.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins September 5, 2024 The World Next Week

Experts in this Region

Elliott Abrams

Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies

Venezuela

Biden’s Tragic Mistake on Venezuela, Calling for a New Election Instead of Respect for the Election the Opposition Won

President Biden’s statement today that he supports a new election in Venezuela is a tragic, unforced error that compounds the previous weaknesses in supporting democracy there.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams August 15, 2024 Pressure Points
Venezuela

Carrots Need Sticks: The Biden Administration and the Case of Venezuela

The Biden administration appears to be offering Venezuelan dictator Maduro amnesty if he will leave power, but sticks as well as carrots will be needed to persuade him.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams August 13, 2024 Pressure Points
Venezuela

In Venezuela, the Latin American Left Will Show Us What it Really Stands For

The presidents of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico must constrain Maduro to negotiate—for their own good.

Blog Post by Will Freeman August 9, 2024 Latin America’s Moment

Cybersecurity

Cyber Week in Review: August 8, 2024

Google loses antitrust case; NIST publishes quantum standards; State officials condemn X's AI-fueled misinformation; UN finalizing cybercrime treaty; Digital repression spiked during and after Venezuela's election.

Blog Post by Adam Segal and Kyle Fendorf August 8, 2024 Net Politics
Colombia

Colombia Isn’t Ready for a New Venezuelan Migration Wave, Plus Bukele’s Mano Dura Threats Won’t Fix the Economy

Petro leaves Colombia ill-equipped to handle a new Venezuelan migration wave; Bukele’s mano dura tactics got results on crime, but won’t fix the economy.

Blog Post by Shannon K. O'Neil and Will Freeman August 7, 2024 Latin America’s Moment
Elections and Voting

Women This Week: María Corina Machado Leads Protests in Venezuela

Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers July 27 to August 2.

Blog Post by Noël James and Imaan Mirza August 1, 2024 Women Around the World
Iran

Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate, Venezuela Election Questioned, Edinburgh Fringe Shines, and More

The Middle East braces for the possibility of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran-backed forces after the assassinations of Hamas senior leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr; Venezuelans protest the results of the presidential election that grant incumbent President Nicolás Maduro a third term; the Edinburgh Festival Fringe spotlights wide-ranging, new talent; imprisoned journalists in Russia are freed in a major prisoner swap; and militant groups kill troops from Russia’s private military company Wagner Group, including a Wagner commander, in Mali.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins August 1, 2024 The World Next Week
Venezuela

Venezuela: The Rise and Fall of a Petrostate

Venezuela’s ongoing descent into economic and political chaos is a cautionary tale of the dangerous influence that resource wealth can have on developing countries.

Backgrounder by Diana Roy and Amelia Cheatham July 31, 2024
Daily News Brief

Venezuelans Stage Demonstrations as Questions Mount Over Election Count, and Other Headlines of the Day

The Daily News Brief

Article by CFR.org Editors July 30, 2024
Venezuela

This Is How Maduro Could Lose Control

Autocrats have fumbled rigged elections in the past. Here’s why Venezuela’s might be next.

Blog Post by Will Freeman July 22, 2024 Latin America’s Moment
Venezuela

Can Maduro Be Negotiated Out of Venezuela?

The United States should try to find out if an offer of amnesty will persuade Venezuela's dictator to permit and respect the results of a free election on July 28.

Blog Post by Elliott Abrams July 19, 2024 Pressure Points
Venezuela

Will Maduro Hold on to Power in Venezuela’s 2024 Election?

The closely watched elections on July 28 will determine whether incumbent President Nicolás Maduro wins a third term or allows a democratic transition.

Expert Brief by Shannon K. O'Neil and Julia Huesa July 16, 2024 Latin America Studies Program