Venezuelan Leaders Discuss Democratic Struggles at Johns Hopkins University

On February 27, the SNF Agora Institute will host Venezuelan leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado to discuss the struggle for democracy in Venezuela. The conversation will address the political repression by the Maduro regime and its implications for global democracy and security. David Smolansky will moderate the event, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and emphasizing the need for greater international attention to the nation’s situation.

On Thursday, February 27, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University will host a significant event featuring Edmundo González, the President-elect of Venezuela. He will address the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela. Joining him via virtual platform will be María Corina Machado, a prominent leader of the democratic opposition, while David Smolansky, an exiled Venezuelan political figure, will serve as the in-person moderator.

David Smolansky emphasized the dire situation in Venezuela, stating, “We are facing a dictatorship that has stayed in power through force, repression, and corruption,” and noted the broader implications for democracy globally. The discussion, entitled “What Venezuela’s Transition Means for Security and Democracy,” is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. EST and will feature a question-and-answer session afterward, with tickets available through Eventbrite.

Venezuela stands at a crucial point in its quest for democracy, according to Smolansky. He remarked that the presidential election on July 28 of the previous year marked a significant moment for the democratic movement. Despite brutal suppression by the Maduro regime, the opposition secured a clear victory, which has since been met with violent repression, including over 2,000 opposition arrests and at least 28 fatalities among dissenters.

In addition to electoral oppression, Venezuela is grappling with an acute humanitarian crisis, wherein over seven million citizens struggle to secure three meals daily. This situation ranks as the most severe humanitarian emergency in the region, with around 8 million Venezuelans displaced. Economic instability has led to a rise in corruption and organized crime, with 15% of the economy linked to illegal activities.

The dynamics of global alliances also underscore Venezuela’s significance, as it has emerged as a center for Iranian influence, with engagement in military collaborations including drone technology. Enhanced ties with China and Russia pose complex challenges for security, compelling a reevaluation of Venezuela’s role in international affairs. Smolansky remarked that “We need to take Venezuela more seriously on the international agenda; this isn’t just about politics—it’s about security.”

The SNF Agora Institute and Johns Hopkins University consistently promote discourse on democratic resilience and human rights. They achieve this through academic work, public events, and fellowships like that of Smolansky, affording activists and scholars a platform for critical engagement. Smolansky highlighted the importance of such institutions, stating, “Being a visiting fellow at SNF Agora has given me the opportunity to speak in classrooms and participate in discussions that keep these issues visible.”

The upcoming discussion at Johns Hopkins University is poised to shed light on Venezuela’s precarious democratic situation, emphasizing the nation’s regional and global significance. The insights from leaders like Edmundo González and David Smolansky will contribute to understanding the complexities surrounding Venezuela’s political repression and humanitarian crisis. Emphasizing collaborative discourse, the event seeks to maintain focus on democracy, human rights, and security on international platforms.

Original Source: hub.jhu.edu