The capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela was one of the most dramatic developments in U.S.-Latin America relations in more than 30 years. In Venezuela, a country that has suffered for more than a decade from repression, economic depression and an exodus of more than 8 million people, it opened the door for change. Yet, days after the arrest, the Chavista government is still in charge, led by Maduro’s former vice president Delcy Rodríguez. The Chavista regime has been a master at appearing to negotiate while stalling and hoping for their counterparts to lose focus or support. Will President Trump be able to influence Rodríguez, and the remaining Venezuelan power structure, in the manner he claims possible? What leverage does he have in Caracas?
In this episode, we speak with Andrés Martínez-Fernández, Senior Policy Analyst at the Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for National Security, about what’s next for Venezuela and the impact it will have on other countries in the region, such as Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba.
Listen to this episode and subscribe to The Americas Quarterly Podcast on Apple, Spotify and other platforms
Guest:
Andrés Martínez-Fernández is Senior Policy Analyst, Latin America, Allison Center for National Security.
Host:
Brian Winter is editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly
If you would like to know more:
Maduro’s Miscalculations Are a Cautionary Tale for Rodríguez by José Enrique Arrioja
Venezuela: The Post-Maduro Oil, Gas and Mining Outlook by Luisa Palacios
A Roadmap for Venezuela’s Future Transition by Ryan Berg and Kimberly Breier
