The Future of Venezuela Initiative
The Project influences policy dialogue on the future of Venezuela through strategic convening and critical research and policy analysis that produces practical, evidence-based, and forward-looking policy recommendations
Venezuela is a failed state that poses a significant security threat to the Western Hemisphere. The Future of Venezuela Initiative of the Center for Strategic & International Studies is led by director Ryan C. Berg.
Recent programming includes the following topics:
- A roadmap and lessons for negotiations in Venezuela.
- Violence and insecurity amidst the burgeoning presence of non-state actors.
- Growing geopolitical challenges borne of foreign actors that prop up the Maduro Regime.
- Tackling environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and gas flaring.
- The role of the oil sector in Venezuela’s economic degradation and economic rebuilding.
- Improving the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance to Venezuelan migrants in neighboring countries and attending to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela.
- Advancing effective political engagement of youth and women in a democratic transition.
- The effect and future of international sanctions on Venezuela.
- Henry Ziemer
- Research Associate, Americas Program
- 202.775.3244
- HZiemer@csis.org
Experts

All The Future of Venezuela Initiative Content
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On the Uses and Misuses of Venezuela Sanctions
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — November 29, 2023
"On the Uses and Misuses of Venezuela Sanctions”: Audio Brief with Ryan C. Berg
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — November 29, 2023

Maduro's Pivot to Xi amid Global Strains
Commentary by Antonio De La Cruz — November 2, 2023
The Evolution of Chinese Engagement with the Dominican Republic
Commentary by Evan Ellis — October 31, 2023
The Only Threat of Violence in Venezuela’s Opposition Primaries Comes from the Regime
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — October 17, 2023
The Road to 2024 in Venezuela: A Conversation with María Corina Machado
Event — June 7, 2023
Less Conversation, More Action: Takeaways from the Bogotá Conference on Venezuela
Commentary by Jose Ignacio Hernández — May 10, 2023
A Conversation with Juan Guaidó, Former Interim President of Venezuela
Event — May 5, 2023
At the 90-Day Mark of PDVSA’s Coronel Tellechea
Commentary by Antonio De La Cruz — April 27, 2023
The Venezuelan External Public Debt Crisis: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Commentary by Jose Ignacio Hernández — March 30, 2023