Pardee School Student Publishes Op-Ed on U.S.-Venezuela Relations
On October 16, 2020 Maria Santarelli (Pardee MAIA ’21) published an op-ed in The International Affairs Review discussing upcoming National Assembly elections in Venezuela and efforts to undermine the democratic nature of the election.
In the op-ed, titled “Venezuela in Crisis: Should the United States Course Correct?,” Santarelli discusses the United State efforts to exude pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and promote democratic change in the country. However, as she points out, these efforts have had adverse effects and halted negotiations between the two countries.
Santarelli argues that U.S. efforts and demands of Venezuela have set the wrong foundation for a renewed bilateral relationship. In order to move maintain it’s geopolitical and economic interests in the region, she argues that the U.S. must support the upcoming parliamentary election instead of fanning the flames of political polarization.
An excerpt:
The United States should relax its maximum pressure approach and at least partially lift the oil sanctions. This action could trigger a détente between the United States and the Maduro regime and lead the way to a new round of negotiations. If the United States, the country with the harshest sanctions against Maduro, agrees in relaxing its economic pressure, a new multilateral dialogue may open.
The full article can be read on The International Affairs Review’s website.