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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

Alexandra Fuenmayor Starr

Deputy Chief of Policy, International Crisis Group

Dan Hellinger

Dan Hellinger

Professor Emeritus of International Relations,, Webster University

Ricardo Hausmann

Ricardo Hausmann

Rafik Hariri Professor of the Practice of International Political Economy, Harvard Kennedy School

Guided Questions

Ricardo Hausmann

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

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

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?