Venezuela’s international projection post-Chavez

The recent conflict between government and opposition during a parliamentary session has highlighted Venezuela’s tense domestic situation in the post-Chavez era. Internal uncertainties also contribute to increasing doubts over the government’s external ambitions, due to a lack of leadership, declining external support and a potential radicalisation of the new administration.

Amidst growing polarisation, the US and Spain are used by the government to foment a discourse based on the existence of an external threat and by the opposition to show its commitment to the West. In this context, the EU must remain neutral so as to build bridges in order to reduce tensions and improve the rule of law in the country.