The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University will host a discussion on February 27 regarding Venezuela’s democracy struggle. The event features President-elect Edmundo González and opposition leader María Corina Machado, moderated by David Smolansky. The dialogue will explore the implications of Venezuela’s political situation for global democracy and security.
On February 27, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University will host a discussion focused on Venezuela’s fight for democracy. President-elect Edmundo González and opposition leader María Corina Machado will participate virtually, while David Smolansky, a Venezuelan exile, will moderate the event in-person in Washington, D.C. The discussion centers on the title “What Venezuela’s Transition Means for Security and Democracy,” starting at 6:30 p.m. EST, with a following Q&A session. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Venezuela is currently navigating a severe struggle for democracy marked by repression and humanitarian crises. Smolansky states that the country faces a dictatorship maintaining power through authoritarian measures, asserting that developments in Venezuela have significant implications for democratic governance worldwide. He highlights last July’s presidential election as a pivotal moment for the opposition despite regime attempts to undermine it.
The Maduro regime has engaged in brutal tactics against dissidents, including detaining over 2,000 political opponents and resulting in numerous fatalities among protesters. Simultaneously, economic turmoil exacerbates humanitarian suffering, as millions struggle to meet basic needs, with reports indicating that 8 million people have been displaced. About 15% of Venezuela’s economy is tied to illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and black-market oil operations, creating instability across Latin America.
Venezuela’s geopolitical interactions are shifting, bringing international instability concerns. Smolansky indicates the country is fostering influence from Iran, particularly through military collaborations, alongside growing ties with China and Russia. He stresses the necessity of elevating Venezuela on the global agenda, asserting that its issues extend beyond politics to security matters.
The SNF Agora Institute actively promotes discussions on democratic resilience and human rights through events, research, and fellowships. Smolansky reflects on the benefit of his fellowship, which has afforded him a platform for speaking engagements and community workshops. This engagement underscores the importance of institutions like Johns Hopkins in prioritizing and facilitating critical dialogues on democracy.
The event at Johns Hopkins University highlights Venezuela’s critical struggle for democracy, emphasizing the authoritarian regime’s impact on both national and international levels. With significant humanitarian crises and geopolitical implications, discussions like those led by Smolansky are crucial for raising awareness and enhancing understanding of the complex challenges faced in Venezuela and beyond.
Original Source: hub.jhu.edu
