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

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

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

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

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

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
Public Event Wed, February 18, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Venezuela’s public opinion in the post-Maduro era
Americas Civil Society Democratic Transitions Latin America

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

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.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

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 Elections

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 Elections

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 Golden

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

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

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

Fellow

Samantha Sultoon

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba East Asia

Fellow

Sebastian Zuleta

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Colombia Venezuela

Events

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

Recovery and reconstruction in post-earthquake Venezuela
Americas Crisis Management Energy & Environment Infrastructure