US–Venezuela Crisis and Its Regional Consequences
US–Venezuela Crisis and Its Regional Consequences
Description
The relationship between the United States and Venezuela has entered a renewed period of strain, shaped by recent security incidents, escalating political rhetoric, and heightened international attention. These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of Venezuela’s prolonged economic contraction, institutional erosion, and humanitarian crisis, all of which have weakened state capacity and deepened social vulnerability.
Background
The relationship between the United States and Venezuela has entered a renewed period of strain, shaped by recent security incidents, escalating political rhetoric, and heightened international attention. These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of Venezuela’s prolonged economic contraction, institutional erosion, and humanitarian crisis, all of which have weakened state capacity and …
Date: 2026-01-16
Time (ET): 12:00 PM EST, Jan 16, 2026
Time (Local): 5:00 PM UTC, Jan 16, 2026
Location: online
Speakers
Alexandra Fuenmayor Starr
Deputy Chief of Policy, International Crisis Group
Dan Hellinger
Professor Emeritus of International Relations,, Webster University
Ricardo Hausmann
Rafik Hariri Professor of the Practice of International Political Economy, Harvard Kennedy School
Guided Questions
Ricardo Hausmann
From an economic growth and development perspective, how do U.S. sanctions and evolving bilateral friction shape Venezuela’s macroeconomic prospects, especially regarding oil revenue management, currency stability, and investment flows?
Dan Hellinger
Given Venezuela’s longstanding polarization and institutional breakdown, how might intensified U.S. political pressure influence internal factional dynamics and prospects for democratic governance or negotiated transition?
Alexandra Fuenmayor Starr
How should international policy frameworks adapt to address the recent escalation in security incidents between the United States and Venezuela while balancing respect for sovereignty, humanitarian needs, and regional stability?