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The Venezuela Working Group

The Venezuela Working Group (VWG) is a high-level group that informs policymakers in the United States, Europe, and Latin America on how to advance a long-term vision and action-oriented policies to foster democratic stability in Venezuela. The Venezuela Working Group seeks to promote the restoration of democratic institutions in Venezuela.

VWG members draw from their diverse backgrounds, global networks, and deep expertise to tackle the most challenging issues around Venezuela policy, both at the domestic and international levels. Priority issues for the VWG’s 2021 work include: supporting Venezuela’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts; assessing risks and opportunities around upcoming regional elections; and exploring non-traditional mechanisms for effectively mitigating Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis.

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Venezuela policy BITES

Content

Issue Brief

Jan 23, 2025

‘Maximum pressure’ sanctions on Venezuela help US adversaries, hurt Venezuelans

By William Tobin

The "maximum pressure" strategy employed from 2018 to 2022 against the illegitimate Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela did not serve US interests. In this issue brief, the author argues that US sanctions must be linked to clear, targeted objectives.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

Fast Thinking

Jan 10, 2025

What the world can do about Maduro

By Atlantic Council experts

As the Venezuelan autocrat is inaugurated for a third term as president, our experts analyze what the United States, the region, and the opposition can do.

Democratic Transitions Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Jan 10, 2025

Experts react: What does Maduro’s third-term power grab mean for Venezuela’s future?

By Atlantic Council experts

Strongman Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year presidential term on January 10, six months after a stolen election.

Corruption Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 8, 2025

Venezuela’s 2024 stolen election compounds challenges to stability and democratic renewal

By Sary Levy-Carciente

The 2024 Venezuela elections mark a pivotal choice for the country's future. The nation faces two distinct paths: continued instability and restricted freedoms or democratic reforms that restore political rights, drive economic recovery, and reintegrate Venezuela into the global community. A comprehensive recovery plan focused on dignity, accountability, and economic transformation offers a clear path toward renewal and prosperity.

Democratic Transitions Elections

Issue Brief

Jan 8, 2025

Recalibrating the use of individual sanctions in Venezuela 

By Geoff Ramsey, Lucie Kneip

As Maduro consolidates power in Venezuela, who has the United States sanctioned—and are those sanctions working?

Democratic Transitions Economic Sanctions

Spotlight

Dec 20, 2024

Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025: Ten predictions to shape the year ahead

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

As we look to 2025, what will define the future of Latin America and the Caribbean? How will the region navigate the changing global economy and the challenges posed by climate change, migration and security? With new leadership in the US, how will Washington engage with the region moving forward? Join in and be a part of our ten-question poll on the future of LAC.

Brazil Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Dec 12, 2024

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth on what to expect on energy under the Trump administration

By Katherine Walla

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Wirth said the new administration will need to craft energy policies that balance environmental concerns, affordability, and national security.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Dec 3, 2024

There’s a more effective way forward than “maximum pressure” for Venezuela

By David Voght and Patricia Ventura

Following the fraudulent outcome of Venezuela's July election, there is growing pressure on the United States to reintroduce sanctions to expel Western firms from the nation’s oil sector. However, preserving the existing policy, which restricts the regime’s financial access while promoting energy security and countering foreign influence, might prove more effective.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Nov 15, 2024

Donovan quoted by Reuters on how the incoming Trump administration could utilize sanctions

Read the full article here

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

MENASource

Oct 23, 2024

Balancing a culture of secrecy and collaboration: Information sharing with hostage families

By Liz Cathcart

US policies enshrine a requirement for intelligence sharing between the US government and hostage families.

China Conflict
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Experts

Staff

Diego Area

Director, Strategic Development Partnerships

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

Fellow

Adriana D’Elia

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Civil Society English

Fellow

Parsifal D’Sola

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global China Hub

China Chinese

Fellow

Nizar El Fakih

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Colombia Corruption

Fellow

David L. Goldwyn

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Global Energy Center

Caribbean Climate Change & Climate Action
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