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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.

Content

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

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2024

China’s support for Maduro should be a warning to democracies in Latin America

By Caroline Costello

China’s backing of Nicolás Maduro over the will of the Venezuelan people severely undermines Beijing’s claim to noninterference in Latin America.

China Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Sep 18, 2024

To prevent further destabilization in Venezuela, regional leaders must trade chaos for coordination

By Lucie Kneip

To help move Venezuela toward a transition of power and greater stability, democratic countries must align their policies toward Caracas.

Venezuela

Experts react

Sep 9, 2024

Experts react: Maduro has forced Venezuela’s opposition leader into exile. What should the world do now?

By Atlantic Council experts

Over the weekend, opposition leader Edmundo González fled to Spain after a Venezuelan court issued a warrant for his arrest. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what’s next.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2024

Amid rising insecurity in Venezuela, the US and its partners must prepare for a new wave of migration

By Lucie Kneip

With the Maduro regime cracking down after a fraudulent presidential election, many Venezuelans who held out hope for political change are preparing to leave their country.

Americas Elections

In the News

Aug 20, 2024

El-Fakih quoted in El Mundo on Venezuela’s Supreme Court finalizing Maduro’s election

By Atlantic Council

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 20, 2024

El-Fakih quoted in La Nacion on Venezuela’s Supreme Court ruling’s legitimization of “electoral mega-fraud”

By Atlantic Council

Elections Rule of Law

Experts