Venezuelan Elections Amidst U.S. Sanctions: Balancing Democracy and Diplomacy

As tensions rise between the United States and Venezuela ahead of their upcoming presidential elections, the delicate balance of democracy and diplomacy comes into focus. The US had eased sanctions to encourage dialogue, but recent events have sparked renewed friction, leading to the reimposition of sanctions. Venezuela is grappling with economic challenges and diplomatic strains, especially with recent bans on opposition candidates. As both countries navigate these issues, the future of US-Venezuela relations is uncertain, with potential impacts beyond their borders.

Essequibo Escalation: From Historical Dispute to Modern-day Tensions and the Specter of Military Action

The Venezuela-Guyana Essequibo dispute reignited in 2015 with ExxonMobil’s oil discovery, escalating under Maduro’s sovereignty claims. Recent actions include a contentious referendum and military exercises. Historical efforts temporarily eased tensions, but post-2015 incidents strained relations. Analysts view a Venezuelan military move as improbable, given global opposition, economic challenges, and unfavorable court rulings. Tensions persist, but military actions seem driven more by domestic considerations than a genuine threat.

Uncle Nick: The New American Friend

The Ukrainian war skyrocketed the oil and gas prices, pushing the US inflation.
President Biden, as a pragmatic Democrat, started to revive the commercial relations with Venezuela, putting at stake his reputation on human rights.