Multilateral isolation efforts against illiberal regimes like the Maduro government in Venezuela must be mindful of its limits given the emerging support network of a coalition of like-minded autocratic regimes.
With the opposition divided and lacking a coherent strategy, Maduro will likely remain in power for now despite his lack of legitimacy. But it doesn’t mean he’ll have an easy time of it.
We spoke to David Smolansky, one of the Global Americans 2018 New Generation of Public Intellectuals, about life in exile and his proposals for restoring democracy in Venezuela.
Despite the pleas of the U.S. and the Lima Group, it’s unlikely that the Maduro government will postpone the May 20th elections. But there are several steps that can be taken afterward to help Venezuela heal.
During his speech at the Organization of American States on Monday, Vice President Mike Pence called on member states to follow in the United States’ lead and take concrete action against Venezuela.
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has led to a growing diaspora of displaced Venezuelans throughout the region. At home, the Maduro regime denies and minimizes the phenomenon.
Even though the outcome is a near-foregone conclusion, decision makers and analysts in the United States and the region must prepare for possible significant shifts in Venezuela following the May 20th elections.
UNASUR’s failure goes beyond political fortunes. The rhetoric of integration fell flat in the face of reticent national bureaucracies unwilling or unable to give up sovereignty and protectionist policies.
If Mauricio Macri wants Argentina to be taken seriously as a regional leader, he should work with its regional partners to punish the Maduro regime.
By refusing to participate, the Venezuelan opposition has lost an opportunity to provide an option to voters and mobilize domestic and international democrats.
