The appeal of populist leaders has faded in Latin America, along with the generous spending programs that cemented their rule. While low commodity prices make it harder to curry favor, populist agendas will continue to manifest for years to come.
In the letter to the president, the Gulf Coast senators said the penalties could end up hurting U.S. refiners.
Military loyalty has propped up a faltering Venezuelan government, but a break-in at a military base could indicate that loyalty is waning.
Apart from the version of events presented by government representatives, there is little evidence of whether the uprising occurred as alleged.
With no end in sight to the country's devastating financial and political problems, Venezuelans are starting to pack up and leave. But this wave of migrants will be poorer and more desperate than those who came before.
A handful of foreign policy crises are clamoring for the United States' attention. And as they worsen, they risk producing a collective din that even political squabbles in Washington can't drown out.
By Reva Goujon
Venezuela's election was a success for the ruling party, but gains at home could unleash the ire of the international community.
President Nicolas Maduro and his party are clinging to power as they scramble to rewrite the country's constitution. But time is running out as nationwide protests threaten to spiral out of control.
Washington is trying to steer Caracas away from a one-party state, but harsh restrictions on its oil sector could send Venezuela into an economic and political tailspin.
In light of new developments in Venezuela, Stratfor is sharing warning information posted on the government website hosted by the U.S. embassy in Caracas.
Both global powers want a peaceful resolution to the political crisis, but they may find that there is no easy way out of the turmoil.
Whatever the motive, the battle between Venezuela's ruling factions will continue on much the same.
