Where is Venezuela? Can you find it on a map? What do you know about the current situation in Venezuela? How is it in crisis? Who are the main actors? How has the world reacted?
“A Short, Simple Primer on What’s Happening in Venezuela” and answer the following questions: What are three reasons that Venezuela is in the news right now? Justify the claim with evidence from the article that Venezuela is in crisis. What happened in January 2019 to bring this crisis to the forefront? Who is Hugo Chavez and what role did he play in worsening the situation in Venezuela? What are three different perspectives on what drove the crisis in Venezuela? The United States has recognized the opposition lawmaker as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. What impact could this have? Describe two scenarios that would force Maduro to step down. Part 2 Read “After U.S. Backs Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s Leader, Maduro Cuts Ties” and answer the following questions: 1. How has Mr. Maduro responded to Mr. Guaidó declaring himself president? What is meant by his statement, “We do not want to return to the 20th century of gringo interventions and coups d’etats?” 2. What has been the U.S. government’s role in the unfolding events in Venezeula? How have President Trump and his administration reacted to Mr. Maduro’s threat of expulsion? 3. According to the article, why is American recognition of Mr. Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president more than a symbolic measure? 4. Why were antigovernment efforts in 2017 unsuccessful? Why do protesters believe there will be a different outcome this time? 5. What are some of the reasons for discontent throughout Venezuela? Why is Mr. Maduro losing some of his most reliable supporters? 6. Both Mr. Guaidó and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have appealed directly to the Venezuelan military and security forces. Why are the armed forces critical to determining next steps in this crisis? What do you think? — What is your reaction to recent events in Venezuela? What do you think will be the political outcome? Will President Maduro remain in power? Will Mr. Guaidó gain the presidency? With whom will the military align? Will the military shift its allegiances to Mr. Guaidó? Or will there be another military crackdown on the opposition? Will there be a peaceful and just resolution? — Mr. Maduro connects recent U.S. rhetoric and actions to a tradition of American intervention in Latin America. How legitimate is this line of argument? Is it a diversion from the crisis?
