The United States and Venezuela: A Struggle with Anti-Democratic Tendencies

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The United States and VenezuelaA Struggle with
Anti-Democratic Tendencies

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Outline of Presentation

• Foreign policy of Venezuela
• Relations US-Venezuela
• US Interests in Latin America
• Influence of Chavez in Latin America
• Policy Recommendations

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Foreign Policy

• Counter US Influence in Latin America
• Petrodiplomacy
• Defend Bolivarian Revolution
• Leadership in Latin America
• Oppose Neoliberalism

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Venezuela United States

• Traditionally good, bad with Chavez
• Fourth largest Oil Supplier to US
• Anti-US Rhetoric
• Iran, Libya, China, Russia, India

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US Interests in Latin America

• Guarantee Supply of Energy
• Counter Cuban Influence
• Promote Democracy and Good Governance
• Free Trade
• All Interests are Challenged by Venezuela

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Influence of Chavez

• Security and Energy
• Build a regional gas pipeline to create an
  export market to Asia. Chavez made Argentina and
  Brazil support him
• 2. Democracy
• Undermines democracy by intervening in national
  elections of other Latin American countries

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Influence of Chavez
3. Governance Expanded state-owned media by
creating TELESUR as an alternative to CNN 4.
Economy Promote integration under his
conditions, including the creation of ALBA
as an alternative to US controlled FTAA, by
criticizing the Washington
consensus
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Policy Recommendations
General Comprehensive approach that involves
neo-liberal incentives coupled with
transformational diplomacy and constructivist
morale  
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Policy Recommendations
Energy and Security The US needs to improve the
bilateral relationship with Bolivia, Peru and
Colombia regarding the anti-drug initiative. This
will improve the bilateral relationship with
these countries and weaken the influence of Chavez
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Policy Recommendations

• Democracy and good governance
• The US must use the instruments of the OAS forum
  to promote democratization process of the
  Venezuelan government.
• Through USAID, the US needs to increase its
  support for social development projects in the
  region and activities that promote good governance

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Policy Recommendations

• Economy
• The United States must encourage the free trade
  agreements with Colombia and Ecuador
• Encourage the leadership of the Brazilian
  president in Latin America

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Questions?
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