Chavismo has adapted before – but can Venezuela’s leftist ideology become US friendly and survive?

The ideology named after former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez became more authoritarian under Nicolás Maduro. Can the country’s new leader steer it back toward democracy?

By: Paul Webster Hare, Boston University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 19, 2026

Words: 1,538

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Paul Webster Hare, Boston University

When the Trump administration sent in a team of U.S. special forces on Jan. 3, 2026, to extract Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the operation fell short of full-scale regime change.

Despite years of U.S. antagonism toward Venezuela’s government, the broader political coalition that Maduro led was allowed to remain intact under the guidance of longtime Maduro ally Delcy Rodríguez. And it now seemingly has the tacit support of …

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