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 content by The Future of Venezuela Initiative

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Sharpening the Democracy Playbook: A Practical Approach for Venezuela

Please join the Americas Program Senior Fellow and Director of the Future of Venezuela Initiative, Ryan C. Berg, for a virtual discussion on Sharpening the Democracy Playbook: A Practical Approach for Venezuela.

Event by Ryan C. Berg , Christopher Sabatini , José Ignacio Hernandez , and Alexandra Winkler — August 25, 2022

Photo: JACK BOCARANDA/AFP/Getty Images

Maduro’s Fortune: Petro in Colombia and a Left-Leaning Latin America

CSIS Americas senior fellow Ryan C. Berg and senior associate Alexandra Winkler assess what the election of Gustavo Petro in Colombia means for U.S.-Venezuela policy and the new obstacles that may undermine the Venezuelan opposition and empower Maduro's government.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Alexandra Winkler — June 27, 2022

Photo: DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP/Getty Images

The Return to Mexico

CSIS senior associate Antonio de la Cruz evaluates the prospects for the resumed round of negotiations between the Maduro regime and opposition Unitary Platform.

Commentary by Antonio De La Cruz — May 18, 2022

Photo: CLAUDIO CRUZ/AFP/Getty Images

Dancing with the Dictator in Caracas

CSIS Americas Senior Fellow Ryan C. Berg analyzes the strategic flaws of U.S. overtures to the Maduro regime, and the dangers of trading one dictator for another.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — March 22, 2022

Photo: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images

The Future of Security in Venezuela

Please join Ryan C. Berg, Director of the CSIS Future of Venezuela Initiative for a virtual webinar discussion on the deterioration of security and defense in Venezuela.

Event by Ryan C. Berg , William Brownfield , Liliana Ayalde , and Ivan Simonovis — December 20, 2021

Photo: PEDRO RANCES MATTEY/AFP/Getty Images

Venezuela: A Time for Opposition Reflection and Renovation

CSIS Americas senior fellow Ryan C. Berg and senior associate Alexandra Winkler assess Venezuela's recent regional elections and negotiations between the regime and opposition in Mexico City and make recommendations for revitalizing the Venezuelan opposition.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Alexandra Winkler — December 17, 2021

Photo: Yuri Cortez/AFP via Getty Images