On February 27, the SNF Agora Institute will host Venezuelan leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado to discuss the ongoing struggle for democracy in Venezuela. David Smolansky will moderate the event, addressing the implications for global security. Venezuela’s dire humanitarian crisis and connections to global powers underscore the necessity of international attention on its political and economic situation.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University is scheduled to host a significant event on Thursday, February 27, featuring Venezuelan President-elect Edmundo González, who will discuss the challenges facing democracy in Venezuela. The event will take place at the Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. and will include participation from opposition leader María Corina Machado, who will join virtually, alongside moderator David Smolansky, a former Venezuelan political leader now in exile.
David Smolansky emphasized the dire situation in Venezuela, stating, “We are facing a dictatorship that has stayed in power through force, repression, and corruption.” He further remarked on the importance of Venezuela’s democratic struggle, asserting that its implications extend beyond the nation, affecting democracy on a global scale.
The discussion, titled “What Venezuela’s Transition Means for Security and Democracy,” is set to commence at 6:30 p.m. EST, followed by a Q&A session. Interested parties can acquire tickets through the provided Eventbrite link. Smolansky maintained that Venezuela’s democratic struggle is at a pivotal moment, with repercussions felt internationally, especially following the opposition’s notable success in the presidential election despite governmental suppression.
Venezuela faces severe humanitarian challenges, with over seven million citizens unable to secure sufficient food, leading to the region’s most acute humanitarian crisis. Moreover, economic turmoil has driven corruption and crime, with approximately fifteen percent of the economy tied to illicit activities like drug trafficking and the black market oil trade.
The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by Venezuela’s connections to countries like Iran, China, and Russia, posing potential threats to regional security. Smolansky asserted the importance of incorporating Venezuela into global security discussions, noting, “This isn’t just about politics—it’s about security.”
The SNF Agora Institute, through its dedication to democratic resilience and human rights, has provided a forum for scholars and activists to engage in vital conversations. Smolansky acknowledged the value of his fellowship at SNF Agora, allowing him to contribute to educational efforts and discussions about democracy’s prominence in international discourse.
The upcoming event at the SNF Agora Institute underscores the critical state of democracy in Venezuela and its broader implications for global security. Leaders such as Edmundo González and María Corina Machado will articulate the pressing need for international attention on Venezuela’s plight, emphasizing that political stability is inseparable from security across the region. The insights shared during this event will likely resonate within discussions of democracy’s resilience worldwide.
Original Source: hub.jhu.edu
