Venezuela

Venezuela

Following the US removal of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela stands at a pivotal moment after years of economic mismanagement, cronyism, and democratic erosion. Leaders must seize this moment to usher in a Venezuela where people overcome economic paralysis, live without fear of the state, and freely choose who represents them in the government.

Recent analysis

How torture charges in the Maduro case could close a gap in international justice

Dispatches Oct 7, 2026

With US backing, a democratic breakthrough in Venezuela may be within reach

By Geoff Ramsey

Venezuela is showing cautious signs of political opening, but democratic transition is still far from guaranteed.
Democratic Transitions Latin America
How torture charges in the Maduro case could close a gap in international justice

Dispatches Jul 22, 2026

Upcoming Venezuela negotiations are an opportunity for the US to lock in a victory

By Jason Marczak, Geoff Ramsey

As Venezuela’s interim government and opposition representatives prepare for talks, the Trump administration can help to steer the course.
Democratic Transitions Latin America
How torture charges in the Maduro case could close a gap in international justice

Dispatches Jul 11, 2026

Venezuela’s earthquakes have deepened this century’s biggest economic crisis

By Henry Shuldiner, Ignacio Albe

Given the historic deterioration of Venezuela’s economy, post-earthquake recovery will be especially costly, complex, and urgent.
Crisis Management Oil and Gas

Our Venezuela Forward series sheds light on the country’s future through programming and analysis that advance ideas to promote economic stabilization and a democratic transition.

Events

Online Event Mon, July 6, 2026 • 2:00 pm ET

Recovery and reconstruction in post-earthquake Venezuela
Americas Crisis Management Energy & Environment Infrastructure
Public Event Tue, April 28, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

Reporters at risk: What the future holds for the press in Venezuela after Maduro
Americas Latin America Resilience Resilience & Society
Public Event Fri, March 20, 2026 • 2:00 pm ET

The fight for influence in Venezuela against Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba
Americas Latin America Politics & Diplomacy Venezuela

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.

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Content

Dispatches

Oct 15, 2026

How torture charges in the Maduro case could close a gap in international justice

By Gissou Nia

Congress should seize the moment to add crimes against humanity to a list of crimes that are punishable in the United States even when committed abroad.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Dispatches

Oct 7, 2026

With US backing, a democratic breakthrough in Venezuela may be within reach

By Geoff Ramsey

Venezuela is showing cautious signs of political opening, but democratic transition is still far from guaranteed.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Dispatches

Sep 25, 2026

Dispatch from New York: Latin America has opened a new chapter with Washington

By Jason Marczak, Henry Shuldiner

The diplomacy around this year’s United Nations General Assembly showcased new initiative in the Americas to increase economic growth and tackle crime.

Economy & Business Latin America

EnergySource

Sep 1, 2026

Four questions on the US-Venezuelan oil deal

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

The impact of the "historic" oil deal between the US and Venezuela will remain uncertain until several unresolved issues are addressed.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Dispatches

Jul 11, 2026

Venezuela’s earthquakes have deepened this century’s biggest economic crisis

By Henry Shuldiner, Ignacio Albe

Given the historic deterioration of Venezuela's economy, post-earthquake recovery will be especially costly, complex, and urgent.

Crisis Management Oil and Gas

Dispatches

Jun 17, 2026

The recent US-Venezuelan strike on Tren de Aragua’s leader will reverberate across Latin America

By Henry Shuldiner

The June 12 operation that killed the leader of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua sets a new precedent for cooperation with the United States.

Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade Latin America

Issue Brief

Jun 15, 2026

Updating the Democratic Transition Framework to chart a way forward in Venezuela

By Geoff Ramsey

To seize the opportunity for a democratic transition in Venezuela in the wake of Nicolás Maduro's January capture, the United States should update a power-sharing framework proposed in 2020 to serve as a road map for the restoration of Venezuela’s democratic institutions.

Americas Democratic Transitions

EnergySource

Jun 12, 2026

How to build energy resilience in an uncertain, contested world

By Charles Hendry, David L. Goldwyn, Lee Beck, Phillip Cornell, Ben Cahill

Read the reflections of Atlantic Council experts on the 2026 Global Energy Forum that explored how the US, allies, and partners can fortify interconnections against the weaponization of energy.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Apr 12, 2026

Washington needs a ‘Plan Venezuela’ before it’s too late

By James Story and David Bellon

Using Plan Colombia as a model, the United States should commit to a long-term, well-funded effort to bring security to Venezuela.

Colombia Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Mar 17, 2026

The Iran war is good for the Russian economy but bad for Putin’s prestige

By Maksym Beznosiuk, Will Dixon

From Armenia and Syria to Venezuela and Iran, Moscow’s inability since 2022 to aid its allies in times of crisis has seriously damaged Russia’s reputation as a global power, write Maksym Beznosiuk and Will Dixon.

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Experts

Fellow

Brian O’Toole

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba Economy & Business

Fellow

Geoff Ramsey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Civil Society Colombia

Fellow

Erika Rodríguez

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

European Union International Organizations

Staff

Henry Shuldiner

Associate Director

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Colombia Corruption
Daniel Suarez Perez

Staff

Daniel Suárez Pérez

Research Associate, Latin America

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Colombia Conflict

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia
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