Discussion on Venezuela’s Struggle for Democracy at SNF Agora Institute

On February 27, the SNF Agora Institute will host a discussion featuring Venezuelan President Edmundo González, opposition leader María Corina Machado, and moderator David Smolansky on Venezuela’s struggle for democracy. The discussion will address the impact of Venezuela’s political situation on security and democracy, including ongoing repression and humanitarian crises, as well as Venezuela’s international alliances and their global implications.

On February 27, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University will host a crucial discussion on Venezuela’s journey toward democracy. Edmundo González, the recently elected President of Venezuela, and María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader, will participate via video link. David Smolansky, an exiled Venezuelan political figure, will moderate the conversation in person at the Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C.

The discussion is aptly titled “What Venezuela’s Transition Means for Security and Democracy” and will commence at 6:30 p.m. EST, including a Q&A session after the dialogue. Tickets can be obtained through Eventbrite.

According to Smolansky, Venezuela is at a pivotal moment as the country faces ongoing repression and humanitarian crises that transcend its borders. He emphasized that the July 28 presidential election in 2022 was a significant milestone for the democratic movement in Venezuela, despite the Maduro regime’s suppression of election results. The government has violently repressed opposition, resulting in over two thousand political detentions and dozens of fatalities among dissenters.

Venezuela is also grappling with a dire humanitarian situation, with approximately seven million citizens struggling to secure basic nutrition, which has created Latin America’s most severe crisis. Furthermore, around eight million people have been displaced due to economic instability fueled by corruption and organized crime, linking 15% of the nation’s economy to illegal activities like drug trafficking and black-market oil sales, thus threatening regional stability.

The shifting international alliances of Venezuela have concerning implications. Smolansky remarked that the country has become an epicenter for Iranian influence, particularly in military collaborations, including war drone technologies. The strengthening ties with China and Russia complicate the geopolitical landscape, underscoring the need for greater prioritization of Venezuelan issues within international discussions.

The SNF Agora Institute and Johns Hopkins University have actively engaged in fostering dialogues on democratic resilience and human rights. Through initiatives such as academic research, public events, and fellowships, they provide a platform for scholars and policymakers to actively engage with crucial issues surrounding democracy. Smolansky reflected on the significance of this organization, stating that his fellowship has allowed him to elevate these discussions in various forums.

The event hosted by the SNF Agora Institute highlights the critical challenges Venezuela faces in its quest for democracy, along with significant regional and global implications. The participation of key leaders, including Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, alongside moderator David Smolansky, underscores the urgent need for international attention toward Venezuela’s political situation. As Venezuela navigates oppression and humanitarian crises, fostering discussions at institutions like Johns Hopkins University remains essential for advancing democratic resilience and human rights.

Original Source: hub.jhu.edu