Venezuela's Unraveling

Venezuela is one of Latin America's most dynamic and troubled countries. It had been relatively stable during the administration of President Hugo Chavez, but when he died, stability died with him, aided in no small part but the fall of the price of oil. His successor, Nicolas Maduro, is now being challenged not only by Venezuelan citizens, who are angry as they struggle to obtain the most basic living staples and foodstuffs, but also by politicians inside and outside his own political party. His ruling party may not survive the coming collapse, but if it does, it will have the daunting challenge of trying to rebuild the economy.

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A controlled flame burns behind a storage tank at an oil refinery complex in Venezuela.

Assessments Oct 4, 2018 | 10:30 GMTOct 4, 2018

U.S. Policy on Venezuela Formally Shifting Toward Regime Change

The country's downward economic spiral has led millions of its citizens to flee, but the crisis still isn't critical enough to warrant direct U.S. intervention.

A farmer shows cocaine base paste made from coca leaves at a clandestine farm next to the Inirida River in Colombia during September 2017.

Assessments Sep 12, 2018 | 09:00 GMTSep 12, 2018

The Cocaine Ties That Bind Colombia and Venezuela

Drug trafficking and cultivation are a scourge for Colombia and Venezuela alike, but their responses couldn't be more different.

Snapshots Sep 11, 2018 | 17:59 GMTSep 11, 2018

Venezuela: The Maduro Government Makes a Grab for Oil Revenue

With finances running low, the Venezuelan government is looking to divert funds from the country's main income earner: the state oil company.

What's the deal behind the supposed drone attack aimed at Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Aug. 4, 2018?

Snapshots Aug 6, 2018 | 17:58 GMTAug 6, 2018

Venezuela: Possible Drone Attack on Maduro Prompts Confusion

Authorities and opposition members are still trying to clarifying the details of the incident that forced the Venezuelan president and members of his military to evacuate an event in Caracas.

Henri Falcon, an opposition candidate in Venezuela's presidential elections, waves during the closing rally of his campaign ahead of the May 20 presidential election, which is largely expected to result in a win for the incumbent, President Nicolas Maduro.

Guidance May 20, 2018 | 10:47 GMTMay 20, 2018

Venezuela's Election Is a Foregone Conclusion. But What About the U.S. Response?

President Nicolas Maduro and his administration have done whatever it takes to hold onto power in Venezuela. After the country's presidential election, the United States will start to consider heavier sanctions.

Assessments May 14, 2018 | 09:00 GMTMay 14, 2018

A $2 Billion Ruling Adds to Venezuela's Woes

An international panel ordered Caracas to pay ConocoPhillips for nationalizing its assets in 2007. To collect, the U.S. oil company is going after Venezuelan facilities in the Caribbean; that move threatens to further erode the country's stability.

In the streets of Caracas, a girl plays near a Venezuelan flag in July 2017.

Reflections Apr 6, 2018 | 16:18 GMTApr 6, 2018

U.S. Negotiations With Venezuela: A Choice Between Bad and Worse

If Washington tries to arrange the release of a U.S. citizen in Venezuelan custody, the conversation will inevitably turn to what it will take to get President Nicolas Maduro out of power. But the U.S. government may not like what it hears.

Mass migration from Venezuela won’t be easily ignored by any politician, no matter their leanings.

Assessments Apr 2, 2018 | 09:00 GMTApr 2, 2018

Latin America's Burning Question: What to Do About Venezuela?

Countries throughout the Americas recognize that Venezuela's descent into catastrophe is a pressing problem, but agreeing on a remedy is easier said than done.