The Chavez Challenge: Venezuela, The United States and the Geo-Politics of Post-Cold War Inter-American Relations
Abstract
Hugo Chavez, who was elected to the presidency of Venezuela in 1999, has become exemplary of the wider phenomenon of post-Cold War populism (or neo-populism) in Latin America. He has successfully mobilized the poor in Venezuela and beyond, tapping into the resentment felt by the marginalized throughout the region after almost three decades of neo-liberal economic reform. This thesis explores how well he has done in promoting his brand of post-Cold War populism regionally and internationally. There is an important connection between his populism and his foreign policy. The thesis argues that while Chavez has been successful at garnering the support of the poor, his ultimate goal has increasingly become a desire to consolidate his own power. In classic populist fashion, Chavez has drawn many Venezuelans into a hierarchical patronage machine, which is dependent on his continued occupation of the presidency and on the use of the country's oil wealth in order to survive. Furthermore, Chavez has taken significant steps to ally Venezuela with various rivals of the United States. However, despite, his regionally- and internationally-oriented rhetoric about Bolivarian Socialism and 21st century socialism, his efforts at building alliances to counterbalance United States hegemony are best understood by adopting a realist conception of Venezuelan foreign policy. His foreign policy can be viewed as being driven less by ideology and more by a desire to strengthen Venezuela's position in the regional and international arena. Also, this thesis evaluates the ways in which the United States has dealt with the Chavez challenge and the effectiveness of such an approach. Ultimately, this thesis approaches Chavez as a symptom rather than a cause of broader political and socio-economic forces at work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA497231
Entities
People
- Mario Perez
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School