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Venezuelan and US elections: a comparison
There are several similarities between the recent elections in Venezuela and the United States. In both cases a charismatic incumbent faced an at times difficult campaign against a pro-business challenger to his right. The elections can also be regarded as referenda on the present governments; administrations that have polarised public opinion. Without seeking to be ...
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While Cooperation Between Colombia and Venezuela May Increase, Ideologies Remain Distant
Following an ambush in which 12 Colombian soldiers were killed on Monday, President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela significantly reinforced security along the Venezuelan border. The ambush was carried out by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in a remote region of Colombia called La Guajira, which borders Northwest Venezuela. Colombian officials maintained that the ...
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Why Chávez Should Appoint A Successor To Lead The PSUV
Hugo Chávez recently celebrated his 57th birthday, and is approaching the end of his thirteenth year as President of Venezuela. However, with elections pending in October of this year, and an ongoing battle with cancer, it is time for him to seriously consider the next step for his party and movement. Although Chávez insists he ...
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With Syria, Venezuelan Petrol-Diplomacy Favors Alliance over Ideology
If there were one consistent storyline to Hugo Chávez’s time as President of Venezuela, it would be his appeal to the masses. His programs aiding the poor are hugely popular, and have helped keep his approval ratings high. But Chávez’s handouts are not limited to domestic politics; Chávez has also given handouts, generally in the ...
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Venezuelan Opposition Poised to Push Chavez in October Presidential Election
The surprisingly strong showing in Venezuela’s primary elections last week indicates that the opposition is finally ready to challenge incumbent Hugo Chávez in a meaningful way. On 12 February the Mesa de la Unidad Democrática (Coalition for Democratic Unity– MUD) selected Henrique Capriles Radonski, the 39-year-old Governor of Miranda, with over 60% of the ...
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Bolivarian Beats: Chávez and Calle 13
Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez said Saturday on one of his state-sponsored broadcasts that he’ll be trading joropo for hip-hop, after Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 cleaned up at the 12th annual Latin Grammy Awards. Chávez was rightfully impressed by Calle 13’s success: at the Grammy Awards, hosted in Las Vegas this Thursday, 10 November, the ...