Changes

Toward the end of the 18th century, the Venezuelans began to grow restive under colonial control. In 1821, after several unsuccessful uprisings, the country succeeded in achieving independence from Spain, under the leadership of its most famous son, Simon Bolivar. Venezuela, along with what are now Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, was part of the Republic of Gran Colombia until 1830, when Venezuela separated and became a separate sovereign country.

Toward the end of the 18th century, the Venezuelans began to grow restive under colonial control. In 1821, after several unsuccessful uprisings, the country succeeded in achieving independence from Spain, under the leadership of its most famous son, Simon Bolivar. Venezuela, along with what are now Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, was part of the Republic of Gran Colombia until 1830, when Venezuela separated and became a separate sovereign country.

Much of Venezuela's 19th century history was characterized by periods of political instability, dictatorial rule, and revolutionary turbulence. The first half of the 20th century was marked by periods of authoritarianism—including dictatorships from 1908–35 and from 1950-58. In addition, the Venezuelan economy shifted after the first World War from a primarily agricultural orientation to an economy centered on petroleum production and export.

Much of Venezuela's 19th century history was characterized by periods of political instability, dictatorial rule, and revolutionary turbulence. The first half of the 20th century was marked by periods of authoritarianism—including dictatorships from 1908 to 1935 and from 1950 to 1958. In addition, the Venezuelan economy shifted after the first World War from a primarily agricultural orientation to an economy centered on petroleum production and export.

Since the overthrow of Gen. Marcos Perez Jimenez in 1958 and the military's withdrawal from direct involvement in national politics, Venezuela has enjoyed an unbroken tradition of civilian democratic rule. This earned Venezuela a reputation as one of the more stable democracies in Latin America. Until the 1998 elections, the Democratic Action (AD) and the Christian Democratic (COPEI) parties dominated the political environment at both the state and federal level.  

Since the overthrow of Gen. Marcos Perez Jimenez in 1958 and the military's withdrawal from direct involvement in national politics, Venezuela has enjoyed an unbroken tradition of civilian democratic rule. This earned Venezuela a reputation as one of the more stable democracies in Latin America. Until the 1998 elections, the Democratic Action (AD) and the Christian Democratic (COPEI) parties dominated the political environment at both the state and federal level.  

===The Caracazo And Popular Dissatisfaction===

==The Caracazo And Popular Dissatisfaction==

Venezuela's prevailing political calm came to an end in 1989, when Venezuela experienced riots in which more than 200 people were killed in Caracas. The so-called Caracazo was a response to an economic [[Ascesis|austerity]] program launched by then-President Carlos Andres Perez. Three years later, in February 1992, a group of army lieutenant colonels led by future President Hugo Chavez mounted an unsuccessful coup attempt, claiming that the events of 1989 showed that the political system no longer served the interests of the people. A second, equally unsuccessful coup attempt by other officers followed in November 1992. A year later, Congress impeached Perez on corruption charges.

Venezuela's prevailing political calm came to an end in 1989, when Venezuela experienced riots in which more than 200 people were killed in Caracas. The so-called Caracazo was a response to an economic [[Ascesis|austerity]] program launched by then-President Carlos Andres Perez. Three years later, in February 1992, a group of army lieutenant colonels led by future President Hugo Chavez mounted an unsuccessful coup attempt, claiming that the events of 1989 showed that the political system no longer served the interests of the people. A second, equally unsuccessful coup attempt by other officers followed in November 1992. A year later, Congress impeached Perez on corruption charges.

Deep popular dissatisfaction with the traditional political parties, income disparities, and economic difficulties were some of the major frustrations expressed by Venezuelans following Perez's impeachment. In December 1998, Hugo Chavez Frias won the presidency on a campaign for broad reform, constitutional change, and a crackdown on corruption.

Deep popular dissatisfaction with the traditional political parties, income disparities, and economic difficulties were some of the major frustrations expressed by Venezuelans following Perez's impeachment. In December 1998, Hugo Chavez Frias won the presidency on a campaign for broad reform, constitutional change, and a crackdown on corruption.

===Constitutional Reforms===

==Constitutional Reforms==

[[Image:chavez.jpg|200px|right|thumb|[[Hugo Chavez|Hugo Chávez]]]]

[[Image:chavez.jpg|200px|right|thumb|[[Hugo Chavez|Hugo Chávez]]]]

Current President Hugo Chávez was elected in 1998 on a platform that called for the creation of a National Constituent Assembly in order to write a new constitution for Venezuela. Chavez's argument that the existing political system had become isolated from the people won broad acceptance, particularly among Venezuela's poorest classes, who had seen a significant decline in their living standards over the previous decade and a half. The National Constituent Assembly (ANC), consisting of 131 elected individuals, convened in August 1999 to begin rewriting the Constitution. In free elections, voters gave all but six seats to persons associated with the Chavez movement. Venezuelans approved the ANC's draft in a national referendum on December 15, 1999.

Current President Hugo Chávez was elected in 1998 on a platform that called for the creation of a National Constituent Assembly in order to write a new constitution for Venezuela. Chavez's argument that the existing political system had become isolated from the people won broad acceptance, particularly among Venezuela's poorest classes, who had seen a significant decline in their living standards over the previous decade and a half. The National Constituent Assembly (ANC), consisting of 131 elected individuals, convened in August 1999 to begin rewriting the Constitution. In free elections, voters gave all but six seats to persons associated with the Chavez movement. Venezuelans approved the ANC's draft in a national referendum on December 15, 1999.

===Political Turmoil===

==Political Turmoil==

[[File:Logo_LS_Venezuela_Socialism.jpg|left|230px]]

[[File:Logo_LS_Venezuela_Socialism.jpg|left|230px]]

In July 2000, following a long and controversial process, voters re-elected President Hugo Chavez of the Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) in generally free and fair national and local elections. The MVR and pro-Chavez Movimiento a Socialismo (MAS) party won 92 seats in the 165-member legislature. Subsequent party splits reduced the pro-Chavez members to 84 seats. In April 2002, the country experienced a temporary alteration of constitutional order. When an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 persons participated in a march in downtown Caracas to demand President Chavez' resignation, gunfire broke out, resulting in as many as 18 deaths and more than 100 injuries on both sides. Military officers took President Chavez into custody, and business leader Pedro Carmona swore himself in as interim President. On April 14, military troops loyal to Chavez returned him to power. A national reconciliation process, with participation by the Organization of American States, the UN Development Program, and the Carter Center, was unsuccessful in stopping further conflict. Opposition leaders called a national work stoppage on December 2, 2002. Strikers protested the government and called for the resignation of President Chavez. The oil sector joined other sectors of the economy and effectively shut down all economic activity for a month. The OAS Permanent Council passed Resolution 833 on December 16, 2002, calling for a "constitutional, democratic, peaceful, and electoral solution" to the crisis in Venezuela. The strike formally ended in February 2003 as political opponents of Chavez sought a recall referendum to revoke the mandate of the president.

In July 2000, following a long and controversial process, voters re-elected President Hugo Chavez of the Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) in generally free and fair national and local elections. The MVR and pro-Chavez Movimiento a Socialismo (MAS) party won 92 seats in the 165-member legislature. Subsequent party splits reduced the pro-Chavez members to 84 seats. In April 2002, the country experienced a temporary alteration of constitutional order. When an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 persons participated in a march in downtown Caracas to demand President Chavez' resignation, gunfire broke out, resulting in as many as 18 deaths and more than 100 injuries on both sides. Military officers took President Chavez into custody, and business leader Pedro Carmona swore himself in as interim President. On April 14, military troops loyal to Chavez returned him to power. A national reconciliation process, with participation by the Organization of American States, the UN Development Program, and the Carter Center, was unsuccessful in stopping further conflict. Opposition leaders called a national work stoppage on December 2, 2002. Strikers protested the government and called for the resignation of President Chavez. The oil sector joined other sectors of the economy and effectively shut down all economic activity for a month. The OAS Permanent Council passed Resolution 833 on December 16, 2002, calling for a "constitutional, democratic, peaceful, and electoral solution" to the crisis in Venezuela. The strike formally ended in February 2003 as political opponents of Chavez sought a recall referendum to revoke the mandate of the president.

===The Referendum Process===

==The Referendum Process==

In September 2003, after an impasse in the National Assembly, the Supreme Court named a new board of directors for the National Electoral Council (CNE). After months of intense deliberations that included two conflicting signature drives overseen by the CNE, political riots over the government's disqualification of questionable signatures, and the intervention of international electoral observers, the CNE certified the opposition's results and set the date of the recall referendum for August 15, 2004. According to the CNE, President Chavez won 59% of the vote. His opponents immediately contested that the results of the referendum were marked by electoral fraud. However, international electoral observation missions carried out by the Organization of American States and the Carter Center found no indication of systemic fraud.

In September 2003, after an impasse in the National Assembly, the Supreme Court named a new board of directors for the National Electoral Council (CNE). After months of intense deliberations that included two conflicting signature drives overseen by the CNE, political riots over the government's disqualification of questionable signatures, and the intervention of international electoral observers, the CNE certified the opposition's results and set the date of the recall referendum for August 15, 2004. According to the CNE, President Chavez won 59% of the vote. His opponents immediately contested that the results of the referendum were marked by electoral fraud. However, international electoral observation missions carried out by the Organization of American States and the Carter Center found no indication of systemic fraud.

After the presidential recall referendum of 2004, a controversy was raised about the use of electronic voting (SAES voting machines). Studies following the 2004 Venezuela recall elections found that Smartmatic's network was "bi-directional" with data being able to be transferred both ways between Smartmatic devices and the telecommunications company CANTV, with alleged irregularities found between the Smartmatic and Venezuela's National Electoral Council election results.<ref name="EUtulio">{{cite news|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/2004/09/11/imp_opi_art_11490D.shtml|title=Fraude y posibilidad de rectificación|last1=Salgueiro|first1=Adolfo P.|date=11 September 2004|work=El Universal (Caracas)|accessdate=}}</ref> Other independent election monitors claimed electoral fraud and submitted appeals, and statistical evaluations including a peer-reviewed article in 2006<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cordero|first1=Maria M. Febres|last2=Márquez|first2=Bernardo|year=2007|title=A Statistical Approach to Assess Referendum Results: The Venezuelan Recall Referendum 2004|journal=International Statistical Review|volume=74|issue=3|pages=379–389|citeseerx=10.1.1.379.441|doi=10.1111/j.1751-5823.2006.tb00301.x}}</ref> and a special section of 6-peer-reviewed article in 2011<ref name="specialsection">[http://projecteuclid.org/DPubS?service=UI&version=1.0&verb=Display&page=toc&handle=euclid.ss/1330437927 Special Section: Revisiting the 2004 Venezuelan Referendum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728043017/http://projecteuclid.org/DPubS?service=UI&version=1.0&verb=Display&page=toc&handle=euclid.ss%2F1330437927|date=2012-07-28}}, ''Statistical Science'', 26(4), November 2011</ref> concluded that it was likely that electronic election fraud had been committed.

After the presidential recall referendum of 2004, a controversy was raised about the use of electronic voting (SAES voting machines). Studies following the 2004 Venezuela recall elections found that Smartmatic's network was "bi-directional" with data being able to be transferred both ways between Smartmatic devices and the telecommunications company CANTV, with alleged irregularities found between the Smartmatic and Venezuela's National Electoral Council election results.<ref name="EUtulio">{{cite news|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/2004/09/11/imp_opi_art_11490D.shtml|title=Fraude y posibilidad de rectificación|last1=Salgueiro|first1=Adolfo P.|date=11 September 2004|work=El Universal (Caracas)|accessdate=}}</ref> Other independent election monitors claimed electoral fraud and submitted appeals, and statistical evaluations including a peer-reviewed article in 2006<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cordero|first1=Maria M. Febres|last2=Márquez|first2=Bernardo|year=2007|title=A Statistical Approach to Assess Referendum Results: The Venezuelan Recall Referendum 2004|journal=International Statistical Review|volume=74|issue=3|pages=379–389|citeseerx=10.1.1.379.441|doi=10.1111/j.1751-5823.2006.tb00301.x}}</ref> and a special section of 6-peer-reviewed article in 2011<ref name="specialsection">[http://projecteuclid.org/DPubS?service=UI&version=1.0&verb=Display&page=toc&handle=euclid.ss/1330437927 Special Section: Revisiting the 2004 Venezuelan Referendum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728043017/http://projecteuclid.org/DPubS?service=UI&version=1.0&verb=Display&page=toc&handle=euclid.ss%2F1330437927|date=2012-07-28}}, ''Statistical Science'', 26(4), November 2011</ref> concluded that it was likely that electronic election fraud had been committed.

===From Referendum To Elections===

==From Referendum To Elections==

In the wake of the referendum victory, Pro-Chávez candidates continued to sweep other electoral contests. Chávez supporters won 20 out of the total 22 state governor positions up for election in October 2004 (there are currently two opposition governors). Chavez supporters also won a majority of the seats in the August 2005 municipal council (parroquias) elections. Pro-Chávez parties won all 167 seats in the December 2005 National Assembly elections, after most opposition candidates withdrew one week before the elections over voter secrecy concerns. The final reports of the EU and OAS observer missions to the 2005 legislative elections, which were marked by record-high abstention, noted high levels of distrust in electoral institutions. The reports made specific recommendations to increase transparency and help voters regain the confidence necessary for participation. Most of the recommendations were not implemented. As a signatory of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, Venezuela has an obligation to hold "periodic, free, and fair elections based on secret balloting and universal suffrage."

In the wake of the referendum victory, Pro-Chávez candidates continued to sweep other electoral contests. Chávez supporters won 20 out of the total 22 state governor positions up for election in October 2004 (there are currently two opposition governors). Chavez supporters also won a majority of the seats in the August 2005 municipal council (parroquias) elections. Pro-Chávez parties won all 167 seats in the December 2005 National Assembly elections, after most opposition candidates withdrew one week before the elections over voter secrecy concerns. The final reports of the EU and OAS observer missions to the 2005 legislative elections, which were marked by record-high abstention, noted high levels of distrust in electoral institutions. The reports made specific recommendations to increase transparency and help voters regain the confidence necessary for participation. Most of the recommendations were not implemented. As a signatory of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, Venezuela has an obligation to hold "periodic, free, and fair elections based on secret balloting and universal suffrage."

Prior to the 2005 Venezuela parliamentary election, one technician could work around "the machine's allegedly random storage protocols" and remove voting secrecy. Since the voting systems were [[Windows]] based and only randomized data, the technician was able to download a simple software that could place Windows files in order. Following this revelation, voter turnout dropped substantially with only 25% of registered Venezuelans voting and opposition parties withdrawing from the election. This resulted in Hugo Chávez's party, as well as his allied parties, to control 100% of Venezuela's National Assembly.

Prior to the 2005 Venezuela parliamentary election, one technician could work around "the machine's allegedly random storage protocols" and remove voting secrecy. Since the voting systems were [[Windows]] based and only randomized data, the technician was able to download a simple software that could place Windows files in order. Following this revelation, voter turnout dropped substantially with only 25% of registered Venezuelans voting and opposition parties withdrawing from the election. This resulted in Hugo Chávez's party, as well as his allied parties, to control 100% of Venezuela's National Assembly.

===A New Term and New Administration===

==A New Term and New Administration==

[[File:Manuel Rosales Venezuela.jpg|thumb|125px|Manuel Rosales.]]

[[File:Manuel Rosales Venezuela.jpg|thumb|125px|Manuel Rosales.]]

President Chávez was re-elected by an overwhelming majority (63%) in the December 3, 2006, presidential elections. He defeated Zulia Governor Manuel Rosales, whose Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) party formed an alliance with several key opposition parties. Though international observers found no evidence of fraud on election day, they did note concerns over abuse of government resources used to support the Chávez campaign, voter intimidation tactics, and manipulation of the electoral registry.  

President Chávez was re-elected by an overwhelming majority (63%) in the December 3, 2006, presidential elections. He defeated Zulia Governor Manuel Rosales, whose Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) party formed an alliance with several key opposition parties. Though international observers found no evidence of fraud on election day, they did note concerns over abuse of government resources used to support the Chávez campaign, voter intimidation tactics, and manipulation of the electoral registry.  

In January 2007, President Chávez named a new Vice President (the former head of the CNE) and cabinet, drawing largely from deputies of the National Assembly. Chávez announced a renewed effort to implement his vision of "21st Century Socialism" in Venezuela. He asked the National Assembly to grant him special constitutional powers via an "enabling law" to rule by decree over a broad range of society and subsequently received those powers for a term of 18 months. He also took major steps to nationalize the telecommunications and electricity sectors, as well as to finalize a majority government share in many oil projects, all sectors with significant foreign investments.

In January 2007, President Chávez named a new Vice President (the former head of the CNE) and cabinet, drawing largely from deputies of the National Assembly. Chávez announced a renewed effort to implement his vision of "21st Century Socialism" in Venezuela. He asked the National Assembly to grant him special constitutional powers via an "enabling law" to rule by decree over a broad range of society and subsequently received those powers for a term of 18 months. He also took major steps to nationalize the telecommunications and electricity sectors, as well as to finalize a majority government share in many oil projects, all sectors with significant foreign investments.

=== Constitutional referendum 2007 ===

== Constitutional referendum 2007 ==

On August 15, President Chávez proposed a package of 33 articles to reform the 1999 Constitution. On 11 September the National Assembly enlarged a number of amendments with other 36 articles, increasing in 69 the number of articles to be voted in the referendum. Finally, the National Assembly passed the reform on 2 November.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7076076.stm  Venezuela assembly passes reforms], ''BBC News'', November 2, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref>  

On August 15, President Chávez proposed a package of 33 articles to reform the 1999 Constitution. On 11 September the National Assembly enlarged a number of amendments with other 36 articles, increasing in 69 the number of articles to be voted in the referendum. Finally, the National Assembly passed the reform on 2 November.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7076076.stm  Venezuela assembly passes reforms], ''BBC News'', November 2, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref>  

President Chávez recognized the results, but he announced to the nation that another referendum to modify the constitution will be proposed again in the future. The previous statement was said by the Venezuelan president again on December 5.<ref>[http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/05/en_refco_art_chavez-announces-sec_05A1247117.shtml  Chávez launches second offensive to pass reform to the Constitution], ''El Universal'', December 6, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> The National Assembly decided to join the presidential efforts to keep the proposal alive.<ref>[http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/05/en_refco_art_parliament-insists-o_05A1245643.shtml    Parliament insists on advancing Chávez’s defeated reform], ''El Universal'', December 5, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref>

President Chávez recognized the results, but he announced to the nation that another referendum to modify the constitution will be proposed again in the future. The previous statement was said by the Venezuelan president again on December 5.<ref>[http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/05/en_refco_art_chavez-announces-sec_05A1247117.shtml  Chávez launches second offensive to pass reform to the Constitution], ''El Universal'', December 6, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> The National Assembly decided to join the presidential efforts to keep the proposal alive.<ref>[http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/05/en_refco_art_parliament-insists-o_05A1245643.shtml    Parliament insists on advancing Chávez’s defeated reform], ''El Universal'', December 5, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref>

===Foreign Relations===

==Foreign Relations==

[[File:Chavez ahmad.jpg|thumb|290px|right|Chavez and [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Ahmadineyad]].]]

[[File:Chavez ahmad.jpg|thumb|290px|right|Chavez and [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad|Ahmadineyad]].]]

President Chávez promoted his "Bolivarian Revolution" as a model for other countries to follow. The policy calls for the establishment of a "[[multi-polar]]" world devoid of U.S. influence and for greater integration among developing countries. Venezuela is currently advocating regional integration through its PetroCaribe and PetroSur petroleum initiatives, the creation of a South American Community of Nations, and the establishment of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (a social integration project proposed by President Chavez as an alternative to the Free Trade Area of the Americas). In April 2006, President Chávez announced he was withdrawing Venezuela from the Andean Community trade bloc. In July 2006, Venezuela officially joined the Southern Common Market, MERCOSUR. Before it can become a full member of MERCOSUR, Venezuela must conform to the trade bloc's economic regulations. Congressional approval by Brazil and Paraguay is also still outstanding. The Venezuelan Government maintains very close relations with Cuba and advocates an end to Cuba's isolation.  

President Chávez promoted his "Bolivarian Revolution" as a model for other countries to follow. The policy calls for the establishment of a "[[multi-polar]]" world devoid of U.S. influence and for greater integration among developing countries. Venezuela is currently advocating regional integration through its PetroCaribe and PetroSur petroleum initiatives, the creation of a South American Community of Nations, and the establishment of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (a social integration project proposed by President Chavez as an alternative to the Free Trade Area of the Americas). In April 2006, President Chávez announced he was withdrawing Venezuela from the Andean Community trade bloc. In July 2006, Venezuela officially joined the Southern Common Market, MERCOSUR. Before it can become a full member of MERCOSUR, Venezuela must conform to the trade bloc's economic regulations. Congressional approval by Brazil and Paraguay is also still outstanding. The Venezuelan Government maintains very close relations with Cuba and advocates an end to Cuba's isolation.  

Since 2005, President Chávez deepened relations with [[Iran]], a state sponsor of terrorism, by signing multiple economic and social accords and publicly supporting Iran's controversial [[nuclear]] program. President Chávez also reached out to the anti-American and anti-West regimes of [[North Korea]], [[Belarus]] and [[Syria]]. The Venezuelans have also embarked on a worldwide effort to increase their presence in embassies overseas in [[Africa]] and [[Asia]].  

Since 2005, President Chávez deepened relations with [[Iran]], a state sponsor of terrorism, by signing multiple economic and social accords and publicly supporting Iran's controversial [[nuclear]] program. President Chávez also reached out to the anti-American and anti-West regimes of [[North Korea]], [[Belarus]] and [[Syria]]. The Venezuelans have also embarked on a worldwide effort to increase their presence in embassies overseas in [[Africa]] and [[Asia]].  

President Chávez also launched a major renovation of the Venezuelan Armed Forces by purchasing new advanced weaponry. In 2005-06, Venezuela purchased 100,000 AK-103 rifles from [[Russia]] and signed an agreement to construct a rifle and ammunition complex. Venezuela has also purchased dozens of Russian attack and transport helicopters, and began receiving 24 Russian Sukhoi Su-30MK 2-seat fighters. Venezuela has longstanding border disputes with [[Colombia]]-aggravated most recently by the capture of a Colombian insurgent leader inside Venezuela—and Guyana, but seeks in general to resolve them [[peace]]fully. Bilateral commissions have been established by Venezuela and Colombia to address a range of pending issues, including resolution of the maritime boundary in the Gulf of Venezuela. Relations with Guyana are complicated by Venezuela's claim to roughly three-quarters of Guyana's territory. Since 1987, the two countries have held exchanges on the boundary under the "good offices" of the United Nations.

President Chávez also launched a major renovation of the Venezuelan Armed Forces by purchasing new advanced weaponry. In 2005–06, Venezuela purchased 100,000 AK-103 rifles from [[Russia]] and signed an agreement to construct a rifle and ammunition complex. Venezuela has also purchased dozens of Russian attack and transport helicopters, and began receiving 24 Russian Sukhoi Su-30MK 2-seat fighters. Venezuela has longstanding border disputes with [[Colombia]]-aggravated most recently by the capture of a Colombian insurgent leader inside Venezuela—and Guyana, but seeks in general to resolve them [[peace]]fully. Bilateral commissions have been established by Venezuela and Colombia to address a range of pending issues, including resolution of the maritime boundary in the Gulf of Venezuela. Relations with Guyana are complicated by Venezuela's claim to roughly three-quarters of Guyana's territory. Since 1987, the two countries have held exchanges on the boundary under the "good offices" of the United Nations.

====Relations with the United States====

===Relations with the United States===

[[File:Hugo Chávez on USS Yorktown 2002.jpg|thumb|Hugo Chávez on USS Yorktown, 2002.]]

[[File:Hugo Chávez on USS Yorktown 2002.jpg|thumb|Hugo Chávez on USS Yorktown, 2002.]]

U.S.-Venezuelan relations have been tense in recent years. President Hugo Chávez continuously defined himself in opposition to the United States, using inflammatory rhetoric to insult [[President George W. Bush]] and senior administration officials. For example, in his September 2006 speech to the [[UN General Assembly]], President Chávez called President Bush "the Devil" and other offensive names. The [[United States]] continued to seek constructive engagement with the Venezuelan Government, focusing on areas of technical cooperation. Major U.S. interests in Venezuela include promotion of U.S. [[export]]s and protection of U.S. investment, preservation of Venezuela's government, closer counter-[[narcotic]]s cooperation, more vigorous efforts on counterterrorism, and continued access to [[petroleum]] imports from Venezuala.  

U.S.-Venezuelan relations have been tense in recent years. President Hugo Chávez continuously defined himself in opposition to the United States, using inflammatory rhetoric to insult [[President George W. Bush]] and senior administration officials. For example, in his September 2006 speech to the [[UN General Assembly]], President Chávez called President Bush "the Devil" and other offensive names. The [[United States]] continued to seek constructive engagement with the Venezuelan Government, focusing on areas of technical cooperation. Major U.S. interests in Venezuela include promotion of U.S. [[export]]s and protection of U.S. investment, preservation of Venezuela's government, closer counter-[[narcotic]]s cooperation, more vigorous efforts on counterterrorism, and continued access to [[petroleum]] imports from Venezuala.  

Approximately 23,000 U.S. citizens living in Venezuela have registered with the U.S. embassy, an estimated three-quarters of them residing in the [[Caracas]] area. An estimated 12,000 U.S. tourists visit Venezuela annually. About 500 U.S. companies are represented in the country.

Approximately 23,000 U.S. citizens living in Venezuela have registered with the U.S. embassy, an estimated three-quarters of them residing in the [[Caracas]] area. An estimated 12,000 U.S. tourists visit Venezuela annually. About 500 U.S. companies are represented in the country.

===Human Rights issues===

==Human Rights issues==

'''Situation under Chavez'''

'''Situation under Chavez'''

[[Image:Venezuela372.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Venezuelans under Chavez have suffered a loss of basic human rights.]]

[[Image:Venezuela372.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Venezuelans under Chavez have suffered a loss of basic human rights.]]

The U.S. State Department's Report on Global [[Antisemitism]] also recently cited Venezuela for statements by "senior government officials supporting Iraq's [[Saddam Hussein]] and Islamic [[extremist]] movements" which "raised tensions and intimidated the country's Jewish community. There were several reports of anti-Semitic [[graffiti]] at [[synagogue]]s in Caracas and two reported threatening phone calls made to Jewish community centers. In August, President Chavez cautioned citizens against following the lead of Jewish citizens in the effort to overturn his referendum victory. Anti-Semitic leaflets also were available to the public in an Interior and Justice Ministry office waiting room." <ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/40258.htm Report on Global Anti-Semitism] U. S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, January 5, 2005.</ref>

The U.S. State Department's Report on Global [[Antisemitism]] also recently cited Venezuela for statements by "senior government officials supporting Iraq's [[Saddam Hussein]] and Islamic [[extremist]] movements" which "raised tensions and intimidated the country's Jewish community. There were several reports of anti-Semitic [[graffiti]] at [[synagogue]]s in Caracas and two reported threatening phone calls made to Jewish community centers. In August, President Chavez cautioned citizens against following the lead of Jewish citizens in the effort to overturn his referendum victory. Anti-Semitic leaflets also were available to the public in an Interior and Justice Ministry office waiting room." <ref>[http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/40258.htm Report on Global Anti-Semitism] U. S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, January 5, 2005.</ref>

===Economy===

==Economy==

[[File:Cathedral of Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas, Venezuela.jpg|thumb|300px|Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas.]]

[[File:Cathedral of Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas, Venezuela.jpg|thumb|300px|Puerto Ayacucho, Amazonas.]]

Real GDP increased by 10.3% in 2006. The economy recovered strongly in 2004 (17.9%) and 2005 (9.3%) after two consecutive years of deep economic recession (in 2003, Venezuelan GDP contracted 7.7%, after contracting 8.9% in 2002). The economic recovery has been driven by a large increase in government expenditures, based on an oil windfall, which in turn generated higher consumption levels.

Real GDP increased by 10.3% in 2006. The economy recovered strongly in 2004 (17.9%) and 2005 (9.3%) after two consecutive years of deep economic recession (in 2003, Venezuelan GDP contracted 7.7%, after contracting 8.9% in 2002). The economic recovery has been driven by a large increase in government expenditures, based on an oil windfall, which in turn generated higher consumption levels.

Although economic growth has been impressive, as a result of the oil windfall, many in the Venezuelan business community remain very concerned about President Chavez' vision for 21st Century Socialism and what it portends for the private sector.

Although economic growth has been impressive, as a result of the oil windfall, many in the Venezuelan business community remain very concerned about President Chavez' vision for 21st Century Socialism and what it portends for the private sector.

===Decent into chaos, instability, and a military state===

==Decent into chaos, instability, and a military state==

[[File:Nicolás Maduro (cropped).jpg|thumbnail|150px|[[Nicolás Maduro]].]]

[[File:Nicolás Maduro (cropped).jpg|thumbnail|150px|[[Nicolás Maduro]].]]

By 2017, Venezuela was in serious economic and political [[chaos]], having become a virtual military state and becoming a humanitarian disaster.<ref name="Socialism"/><ref>Kew, Ben (December 24, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/24/venezuela-2017-socialist-policies-take-humanitarian-toll-as-country-enters-dictatorship/ Venezuela 2017: Socialist Policies Take Humanitarian Toll as Country Enters Dictatorship]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.<br>See also:

By 2017, Venezuela was in serious economic and political [[chaos]], having become a virtual military state and becoming a humanitarian disaster.<ref name="Socialism"/><ref>Kew, Ben (December 24, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/24/venezuela-2017-socialist-policies-take-humanitarian-toll-as-country-enters-dictatorship/ Venezuela 2017: Socialist Policies Take Humanitarian Toll as Country Enters Dictatorship]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.<br>See also:

Venezuela's government continued to receive support from [[Russia]] and [[China]].<ref>Adelmann, Bob (October 29, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/30485-china-russia-rushing-to-keep-venezuela-alive-as-crisis-deepens China, Russia Rushing to Keep Venezuela Alive as Crisis Deepens]. ''The New American''. Retrieved October 29, 2018.</ref> Additionally, [[Cuba]]'s Communist regime helped Venezuela adopt left-wing authoritarian policies.<ref>Berwick, Angus (August 22, 2019). [https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-cuba-military/ Imported repression: How Cuba taught Venezuela to quash military dissent]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved August 22, 2019.</ref>

Venezuela's government continued to receive support from [[Russia]] and [[China]].<ref>Adelmann, Bob (October 29, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/30485-china-russia-rushing-to-keep-venezuela-alive-as-crisis-deepens China, Russia Rushing to Keep Venezuela Alive as Crisis Deepens]. ''The New American''. Retrieved October 29, 2018.</ref> Additionally, [[Cuba]]'s Communist regime helped Venezuela adopt left-wing authoritarian policies.<ref>Berwick, Angus (August 22, 2019). [https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-cuba-military/ Imported repression: How Cuba taught Venezuela to quash military dissent]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved August 22, 2019.</ref>

[[File:María Corina Machado.jpeg|thumb|left|][María Corina Machado]], the main Conservative leader of Venezuela.]]

[[File:María Corina Machado.jpeg|thumb|left]][[María Corina Machado]], the main Conservative leader of Venezuela.]]

Maduro won re-election in 2018, despite banning major opposition parties from participating in the election<ref>Kew, Ben (December 11, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/11/venezuelas-maduro-bans-opposition-parties-2018-election/ Venezuela’s Maduro Bans Opposition Parties from 2018 Election]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.</ref> and despite record low turnout and serious voter fraud allegations.<ref>Martel, Frances (May 21, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/05/21/venezuela-maduro-reelected-with-record-low-turnout-rampant-fraud/ Venezuela: Maduro ‘Reelected’ with Record Low Turnout, Rampant Fraud]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.</ref> He started his second term despite the fact that about 60 countries did not recognize the election results.<ref>Multiple references:

Maduro won re-election in 2018, despite banning major opposition parties from participating in the election<ref>Kew, Ben (December 11, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/11/venezuelas-maduro-bans-opposition-parties-2018-election/ Venezuela’s Maduro Bans Opposition Parties from 2018 Election]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.</ref> and despite record low turnout and serious voter fraud allegations.<ref>Martel, Frances (May 21, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/05/21/venezuela-maduro-reelected-with-record-low-turnout-rampant-fraud/ Venezuela: Maduro ‘Reelected’ with Record Low Turnout, Rampant Fraud]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.</ref> He started his second term despite the fact that about 60 countries did not recognize the election results.<ref>Multiple references:

*Adelmann, Bob (January 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31153-venezuela-s-marxist-president-maduro-inaugurated-for-second-term Venezuela’s Marxist President Maduro Inaugurated for Second Term]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.

*Adelmann, Bob (January 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31153-venezuela-s-marxist-president-maduro-inaugurated-for-second-term Venezuela’s Marxist President Maduro Inaugurated for Second Term]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.

*[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa/amid-colombia-rebel-rearmament-u-s-sees-support-from-maduro-official-idUSKCN1VL0FZ Amid Colombia rebel rearmament, U.S. sees support from Maduro: official]. ''Reuters''. August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2019.</ref>

*[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa/amid-colombia-rebel-rearmament-u-s-sees-support-from-maduro-official-idUSKCN1VL0FZ Amid Colombia rebel rearmament, U.S. sees support from Maduro: official]. ''Reuters''. August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2019.</ref>

In July 2023, Machado was banned from holding public office for 15 years.<ref>{{Cite web  |author=Alexander Busch |url=https://www.nzz.ch/international/venezuela-abkommen-zwischen-regierung-und-opposition-fuer-wahlen-ld.1761446 |title=Government and opposition in Venezuela agree on presidential elections - but clean elections are hardly possible |werk=nzz. ch |hrsg=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |date=2023-10-19 |access-date=2023-10-21}}</ref> After her replacement candidate [[Corina Yoris]] was also denied registration to run, [[Edmundo González]] now stands as the joint candidate of the opposition alliance [[Mesa de la Unidad Democrática]], who is also supported by Machado. <ref name="El País González">{{Cite web  |author=Florantonia Singer |url=https://elpais.com/america/2024-04-20/edmundo-gonzalez-urrutia-el-candidato-que-no-queria-serlo.html |title=Edmundo González Urrutia, el candidato que no quería serlo |werk=El País |date=2024-04-20 |language=es |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref> If she had been able to take part in the elections under regular conditions, she would have been certain to win according to various polls. <ref>{{Cite web  |author=Katharina Wegner |url=https://www.ipg-journal.de/regionen/lateinamerika/artikel/zwei-gegen-maduro-7546/ |title=Two against Maduro |work=IPG-Journal |date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-06-10}}</ref>

In July 2023, Machado was banned from holding public office for 15 years.<ref>{{Cite web  |author=Alexander Busch |url=https://www.nzz.ch/international/venezuela-abkommen-zwischen-regierung-und-opposition-fuer-wahlen-ld.1761446 |title=Government and opposition in Venezuela agree on presidential elections - but clean elections are hardly possible |werk=nzz. ch |hrsg=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |date=2023-10-19 |access-date=2023-10-21}}</ref> After her replacement candidate [[Corina Yoris]] was also denied registration to run, [[Edmundo González]] now stands as the joint candidate of the opposition alliance [[Mesa de la Unidad Democrática]], who is also supported by Machado.<ref name="El País González">{{Cite web  |author=Florantonia Singer |url=https://elpais.com/america/2024-04-20/edmundo-gonzalez-urrutia-el-candidato-que-no-queria-serlo.html |title=Edmundo González Urrutia, el candidato que no quería serlo |werk=El País |date=2024-04-20 |language=es |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref> If she had been able to take part in the elections under regular conditions, she would have been certain to win according to various polls.<ref>{{Cite web  |author=Katharina Wegner |url=https://www.ipg-journal.de/regionen/lateinamerika/artikel/zwei-gegen-maduro-7546/ |title=Two against Maduro |work=IPG-Journal |date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-06-10}}</ref>

Machado supports Edmundo González candidacy for President in 2024 after she was banned.

Machado supports Edmundo González candidacy for president in 2024 after she was banned.

==References==

==References==