About the Issue

Venezuela is one of America’s oldest trading partners. Given our dependence on imported oil, it is also one of our most vital. For the last several years, however, the relationship has been characterized by division and discord.  Apart from Cuba, no government in the region has been at greater odds with the United States than Venezuela, no leader more controversial in the eyes of U.S. policy than President Hugo Chávez.

Washington has objected strongly to what it says are steps taken by President Chávez to consolidate power in Venezuela, and President Chávez objects mightily to the trade, economic, and foreign policies of his nemeses, the United States and President George Bush.   This mutual enmity affects not only Washington and Caracas, because our policy toward Venezuela has both affected and distorted our relations with the entire region.

There are significant issues for U.S. policymakers to study and understand.  These involve the social missions of Venezuela’s government to alleviate poverty and to promote social inclusion among the nation’s poor.  What appeal does Venezuela’s approach to governance have to others in the region?  What kind of relationship do Venezuelans want with the U.S., the most powerful neighbor to the north?  After the rejection of the December 2007 constitutional referendum, what developments can we expect internally – from the government, from the political opposition, from the student movement, and from Venezuelans at large – which will signal to us where Venezuela’s democracy is heading?

To understand these and other issues, U.S. policymakers must engage with Venezuela.