The SNF Agora Institute will host a discussion on February 27 featuring Venezuelan leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, focusing on the country’s democratic struggle. David Smolansky will moderate the event, emphasizing the global implications of Venezuela’s situation, which is marked by political repression and a severe humanitarian crisis. The discussion will highlight the urgent need to engage with these issues on the international stage.
On February 27, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University will host a significant discussion featuring Venezuelan President-elect Edmundo González and democratic opposition leader María Corina Machado, who will participate virtually. The event, moderated by David Smolansky, a prominent exiled political leader, will take place at the Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., commencing at 6:30 p.m. EST and includes a question-and-answer session following the presentations.
David Smolansky has articulated that Venezuela is currently under a dictatorship sustained through force, repression, and corruption. He emphasized that the situation in Venezuela extends beyond national borders, stating that the outcomes of this struggle can significantly impact the global perception of democracy. The discussion is aptly titled “What Venezuela’s Transition Means for Security and Democracy,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The state of democracy in Venezuela has reached a crucial turning point. Following the presidential election on July 28, the opposition was able to provide substantial evidence of their triumph over the Maduro regime, which has responded with severe measures, including the detention of 2,000 political opponents and the killing of at least 28 dissenters. This grim situation underscores the length the regime will go to maintain control.
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is at a critical level, with approximately seven million individuals struggling to secure adequate food, marking it as the gravest humanitarian emergency in the region. Furthermore, economic instability has led to widespread corruption and organized crime, contributing to 15% of the country’s economy being tied to illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and black-market oil sales, which destabilize Latin America.
Geopolitically, Venezuela’s potential ties pose global ramifications. As Smolansky noted, the nation has become a nexus for Iranian influence, involving military collaborations, including war drones. Additionally, the growing connections with China and Russia amplify concerns over regional security and stability. Smolansky advocated for a more serious engagement of Venezuela in the international dialogue, stating, “This is not just about politics—it’s about security.”
The SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University plays a pivotal role in fostering critical dialogues on democracy and human rights. Through academic initiatives, public events, and fellowship opportunities like that of Smolansky, the Institute empowers scholars and activists to confront pressing issues associated with democratic resilience. Smolansky expressed gratitude for this support, stating, “Institutions like Johns Hopkins are essential in ensuring that discussions about democracy prioritizing visibility and significance continue at higher levels.
In summary, the upcoming event hosted by the SNF Agora Institute presents an opportunity to discuss Venezuela’s pressing struggle for democracy amidst severe political repression and humanitarian crises. With significant implications for global security and democratic norms, the contributions of experts and practitioners are essential to raise awareness and engage in necessary dialogue surrounding these critical issues.
Original Source: hub.jhu.edu
