Over 90% of the population is in poverty. There is a lack of perishable food and an irregular supply of water. People have to ration electricity, and 15% of children are at risk of dying from malnutrition. US-imposed sanctions are making matters worse.

Current Economic Problems in Venezuela

An already dangerous pandemic has been exacerbated by economic concerns. Electricity shortages have affected hospitals, with 57.3% of hospitals experiencing power outages and hospitals going without electricity for an average of about 15 days per month. Containment measures (such as stay-at-home orders) have been complicated by the desperate economic situation as impoverished Venezuelans rely on daily income to survive. These conditions have triggered over 1000 protests, though they have not developed into a full-fledged, united revolution yet.

COVID-19’s Effect on Venezuela

The present-day Venezuelan crisis under Nicolás Maduro has spilled over into neighboring countries, primarily resulting in a massive regional refugee crisis. Furthermore, international actors have become deeply involved in the crisis for various political and economic reasons.

Regional and International Impacts of the Venezuelan Crisis

Despite the severe present-day crisis, there has not been a coordinated revolution in Venezuela against the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Various factors explain this absence, including the overwhelming nature of the crisis, the continued popularity of Chavismo, a repressed civil society, the threat of military violence, and an uncoordinated opposition.

Reasons for the Lack of Revolution in Venezuela Under Maduro

The present-day crisis afflicting Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro involves a swath of economic problems, a refugee crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these intersecting issues, there has not yet been a revolution aimed at overthrowing the Chavismo regime.

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Venezuela’s current crisis is a direct result of both the political developments of Chavismo and the country’s historical dependence on oil. Chávez—who rose to power through the Bolivarian Revolution—deteriorated Venezuelan democracy before his predecessor—current President Maduro—transformed the country into a full-blown dictatorship. Additionally, Venezuela’s historical dependence on oil has caught up with it, resulting in several years of a worsening recession amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the desperate situation, however, Venezuelans have not joined forces in a united revolution.

An Overview of the Venezuelan Crisis

Both Venezuela’s political and economic history help to explain the current crisis and lack of a revolution.

The Historical Context of the Venezuelan Crisis

The current crisis in Venezuela affects all levels of Venezuelan society. Political problems began under Hugo Chávez and have been exacerbated by Nicolás Maduro, who has also overseen a large-scale economic crisis over the past several years.

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