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Programs

The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations and delivers constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform how the public and private sectors can advance hemispheric prosperity.

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.

Content

In the News

Jan 6, 2026

Kroenig featured in the New York Times on ousting Maduro

By Atlantic Council

On January 6, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig wrote an article in the New York Times titled "Trump Was Right to Oust Maduro." He argues that Maduro threatened vital US security interests, and that his removal from power creates opportunity for better governance in Venezuela.

Politics & Diplomacy
Security & Defense

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Politico

By Atlantic Council

On January 5, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Politico's "National Security Daily" on the Trump administration's Venezuela policy. He explains that administration's ambiguity is intentional and aimed at preventing fractures within the Republican party.

National Security
Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

Now comes the hard part: What Trump should do next to secure Venezuela’s democratic future

By Jason Marczak

The United States is now forced to depend on the remnants of the Maduro regime for the next stage in the mission.

Democratic Transitions
Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

Greenland is Europe’s strategic blind spot—and its responsibility

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

If Europe wants to ensure that no one can do to Greenland what the United States did in Venezuela, then it must stop relying on rules alone.

Europe & Eurasia
Maritime Security

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

The Trump Corollary is officially in effect

The Trump administration has a unique opportunity to reimagine the contours of US hemispheric defense for years to come.

International Norms
Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

The US capture of Maduro reveals Russia’s weakness

By John E. Herbst

The Kremlin’s muted response to the Venezuelan strongman’s ouster reveals a Russia limited in its capabilities and constrained in its diplomatic leverage.

Politics & Diplomacy
Russia

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Wall Street Journal on US operation in Venezuela

By Atlantic Council

On January 4, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article titled "A New Trump Game Plan Takes Shape: Strike and Coerce." He evokes the Maduro regime's ties to US adversaries and affirms the US military's ability to operate in multiple theatres.

Defense Policy
Security & Defense

Uncategorized

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Bloomberg on Trump’s Venezuela strategy

By Atlantic Council

On January 4, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in a Bloomberg article titled "Trump Snatches Maduro But Leaves His Regime in Charge for Now." He explains that the Trump administration is attempting to influence the Venezuelan vice president to secure outcomes favorable to the US.

National Security
Political Reform

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Politico on the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy

By Atlantic Council

On January 3, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in a Politico article titled "The hawks are winning." He argues that widespread support for military action in Venezuela was driven less by policy conviction than by an awareness of internal power dynamics, with officials mindful of where influence resides within the White House.

Defense Policy
Security & Defense

Inflection Points

Jan 5, 2026

The most significant question for Trump’s America in 2026: What sticks?

By Frederick Kempe

Not every shock becomes a structure, and not every provocation determines an enduring policy change.

Politics & Diplomacy
Security & Defense

Experts