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.

Experts

Moises Rendon

Moises Rendon

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Americas Program
Juan Cruz

Juan Cruz

Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Americas Program and Director, Argentina-U.S. Strategic Forum
Gerver Torres

Gerver Torres

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Americas Program

All The Future of Venezuela Initiative Content

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On the Uses and Misuses of Venezuela Sanctions

CSIS Americas director Ryan C. Berg argues the Maduro regime is willing to bear the brunt of U.S. sanctions in exchange for preserving its hold on power and contends the United States should reevaluate its sanctions strategy in Venezuela.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — November 29, 2023

Maduro's Pivot to Xi amid Global Strains

CSIS Americas senior associate Antonio de la Cruz analyzes the stronger China-Venezuela bilateral relationship forged by economic and political pressures placed on the Maduro regime by the United States. 

Commentary by Antonio De La Cruz — November 2, 2023

The Evolution of Chinese Engagement with the Dominican Republic

CSIS Americas senior associate Evan Ellis evaluates PRC involvement in the Dominican Republic under the Abinader administration with a particular emphasis on diplomacy, trade, mining, organized crime, and security cooperation.

Commentary by Evan Ellis — October 31, 2023

At the 90-Day Mark of PDVSA’s Coronel Tellechea

CSIS senior associate Antonio de la Cruz takes stock of the first 90 days of Colonel Pedro Rafael Tellechea, the newly appointed head of Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA.

Commentary by Antonio De La Cruz — April 27, 2023