Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy
Security Theme
State Stability and Infrastructure
Keywords
Political Stability, Political situation, economic and humanitarian crisis, international response
Description
Venezuela remains under the rule of authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro (2013-present), despite an array of sanctions and international support for an interim government from 2019 to 2022. Within Venezuela, the Unity Platform of opposition has adjusted its strategy, deciding to compete in presidential elections due in 2024, dissolve the interim government led by Juan Guaidó, and negotiate with the Maduro government. In November 2022, the Biden Administration offered limited sanctions relief to the Maduro government if those negotiations produced “meaningful progress” toward elections. With negotiations stalled and leading candidates banned from participating in the 2024 elections, Congress may consider how to shape U.S. policy responses to developments in Venezuela.
Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy
Venezuela remains under the rule of authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro (2013-present), despite an array of sanctions and international support for an interim government from 2019 to 2022. Within Venezuela, the Unity Platform of opposition has adjusted its strategy, deciding to compete in presidential elections due in 2024, dissolve the interim government led by Juan Guaidó, and negotiate with the Maduro government. In November 2022, the Biden Administration offered limited sanctions relief to the Maduro government if those negotiations produced “meaningful progress” toward elections. With negotiations stalled and leading candidates banned from participating in the 2024 elections, Congress may consider how to shape U.S. policy responses to developments in Venezuela.
