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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

New Atlanticist

Nov 26, 2025

How a Venezuela shock could raise global oil and food prices

By Joseph Webster, David L. Goldwyn

As US policymakers weigh their options in Venezuela, they should consider the possibility of a long energy recovery and spillover attacks in the region.

Conflict
Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Nov 25, 2025

How Venezuela uses crypto to sell oil—and what the US should do about it

By Maia Nikoladze

As US sanctions on Venezuela have intensified, the Maduro regime has grown increasingly interested in leveraging digital assets to facilitate oil transactions.

China
Digital Currencies

In the News

Nov 14, 2025

Kroenig in Foreign Policy on ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

On November 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig published an article in Foreign Policy titled “Trump Should Oust Maduro.” In the article, Kroenig lays out how President Trump could remove President Maduro from power without using military force.

Political Reform
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Nov 4, 2025

Facing the threat of US strikes, Maduro has requested Russia’s help. He shouldn’t expect much.

By Imran Bayoumi, Shelby Magid

Focused on its war against Ukraine and struggling with the effects of Western sanctions, the Kremlin is unlikely to provide significant assistance to the Maduro regime.

Conflict
Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Sep 12, 2025

Was Trump’s strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat legal?

By Celeste Kmiotek

It’s worth looking in detail at where the US strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel on September 2 sits in relation to international law.

Maritime Security
Rule of Law

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2025

Why the Pentagon had been reluctant to combat narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere

By Kevin Whitaker

The recent US strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel is a reminder that the US military had for years resisted getting more deeply involved in counternarcotics.

Latin America
Maritime Security

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2025

What to know about Trump’s war on drug trafficking from Venezuela

By Atlantic Council experts

The recent US strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat is best understood in the context of the Trump administration’s policies toward Venezuela and the wider Western Hemisphere.

Caribbean
Latin America

New Atlanticist

Aug 29, 2025

Why are US warships heading toward Venezuela?

By Atlantic Council experts

Three Aegis guided-missile destroyers and several other US warships are headed to the waters near Venezuela. Two Atlantic Council experts explain why and what to expect next.

Latin America
Politics & Diplomacy

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

How the US and Colombia can tackle crime, migration, and fallout from Venezuela’s crisis

By Lucie Kneip, Geoff Ramsey

Despite differences in priorities and political approaches, opportunities exist for the US and Colombia to coordinate policy that promotes stability in Venezuela and the broader region.

Colombia
Corruption

Issue Brief

Jul 10, 2025

Two US policy options for Venezuela: Shaping reform vs. ‘maximum pressure’ toward regime collapse

By Venezuela Solutions Group

The White House faces a choice: Should it use sanctions leverage to try to extract concessions from Nicolas Maduro on energy security, migration, and democratic reforms? Or should it bet on a return to “maximum pressure" in the hopes of precipitating a transition in Caracas?

Democratic Transitions
Economic Sanctions

Experts