Iran and Venezuela find themselves on the receiving end of high-pressure US sanctions for gross abuses of international norms and human rights. They are ostracized by regional neighbors for these violations. Their regimes openly embrace an ideology of anti-imperialism that viciously criticizes what they perceive to be Washington’s interventionist foreign policy, which unites them in what Alberto Garrido dubs a “strategic alliance.”
Category: Latin America & The Caribbean
The Bolivarian “Popular Mobilization Forces”: Paramilitary Groups in Venezuela and the Broader Implications for Regional Security
Supporters of President Nicolas Maduro, known as "colectivos," parade in on their motorbikes while anti-government supporters take part in a walkout against Maduro in Caracas on Jan. 30, 2019. Venezuelans are exiting their homes and workplaces in a walkout organized by the opposition to demand that Maduro leave power. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Abd/AP. The Popular … Continue reading The Bolivarian “Popular Mobilization Forces”: Paramilitary Groups in Venezuela and the Broader Implications for Regional Security
The Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela and Regime Security: Perspectives from the Inside-Out
Caracas (Venezuela), March 5, 2014. The Foreign Minister of Ecuador, Ricardo Patiño, participated in the commemoration of the death of Commander Hugo Chávez Frías. Photo: Xavier Granja Cedeño / Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs In her book The Dictator’s Army, Caitlin Talmadge describes the contrast between militaries that condition themselves to fight conventional wars against … Continue reading The Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela and Regime Security: Perspectives from the Inside-Out
Arms Sales, Mercenaries, and Strategic Bombers: Moscow’s Military Footprint in Venezuela
The presidents of Russia and Venezuela discuss bilateral relations. Photo Credit: The Kremlin. During the Cold War, Soviet foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere was based out of Cuba, which housed Soviet naval, ground, and intelligence assets that projected Moscow’s influence in the Americas. The Soviet Union used its position in Cuba to lend support … Continue reading Arms Sales, Mercenaries, and Strategic Bombers: Moscow’s Military Footprint in Venezuela
Bolivarian Brotherhood: The Roots of the Cuba-Venezuela Relationship and its Future Trajectory
Representatives meeting at the XIII Meeting of the Political Council of ALBA. Photo Credit: Nina Zambrano Díaz. Foreign Ministry of Ecuador. On September 26, the United States imposed sanctions on Raúl Castro, brother of the late Fidel Castro and head of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC), over Cuba’s support for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The … Continue reading Bolivarian Brotherhood: The Roots of the Cuba-Venezuela Relationship and its Future Trajectory
After Bolton: A Dual Track Approach to Venezuelan Foreign Policy
US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo joins President Donald J. Trump for a working lunch on February 27, 2019. Photo Source: Ron Przysucha/ US State Department. On September 10, President Trump relieved National Security Advisor John Bolton of his post within the administration.[i] Bolton had been appointed in March of last year[ii] and was … Continue reading After Bolton: A Dual Track Approach to Venezuelan Foreign Policy
Counterinsurgency as an Approach to Organized Crime in Latin America
Brazilian security services. Photo Credit: Getty Images By: Yuri Neves, Columnist The growing complexity and capabilities of criminal organizations in Latin America necessitate a new approach to fight crime in the region. The conditions that give rise to insurgencies, are similar to those that allow organized crime groups to prosper. Furthermore, both entities utilize similar … Continue reading Counterinsurgency as an Approach to Organized Crime in Latin America
A Punitive Cuba Policy: Cathartic but Counterproductive
Alexis F. Ludwig, Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative, addresses the Organization of American States Permanent Council on the Destabilizing Role of Russia and Cuba in Venezuela May 2, 2019. Photo Credit: U.S. Department of State By: Felipe Herrea, Columnist On April 17, 2019, the Trump Administration introduced new sanctions targeting National Security Advisor John Bolton’s declared "troika … Continue reading A Punitive Cuba Policy: Cathartic but Counterproductive
Game Theory in the Venezuelan Crisis: The Challenge of Credible Bargaining
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela December 12, 2018. Photo Credit: Reuters. By: Felipe Herrera, Columnist On 10 January, 2019, the Venezuelan National Assembly invoked Article 233 of the Constitution of Venezuela. Arguing that the "de facto dictatorship" meant there was no democratic leader, the Assembly declared that President Maduro … Continue reading Game Theory in the Venezuelan Crisis: The Challenge of Credible Bargaining
Politicizing Humanitarian Aid in Venezuela
Humanitarian aid crossing the Venezuela Border. Photo Credit: Nelson Almeida, The New York Times By Ashley Jones-Quiadoo, Columnist Amid the recent humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, fueled by the reelection of President Nicolás Maduro, there is growing concern in the international community as some countries have denounced Maduro’s election as fraudulent. Once the wealthiest country in … Continue reading Politicizing Humanitarian Aid in Venezuela