Stop Crying “Imperialism”; a Solution Is Needed in Venezuela

“To blame American imperialism, as some do, is to dismiss Maduro’s responsibility and to close our eyes to another socialist catastrophe.”

The opposition leader and self-proclaimed president of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, has called for protests against the allegedly illegitimate president Nicolás Maduro. Guaidó, who appeared in a video alongside military forces, based his position on the assumption that the Venezuelan army—which has been co-opted by Maduro—was now on the people’s side. However, Guaidó discovered that this was not true, and his assumptions had consequences.

The protests were followed by repressive actions, and the shocking footage of armored vehicles running over protesters in Caracas showed the world the authoritarian face of the regime. Indeed, some soldiers were by Guaidó’s side, and it may show that there is a growing resistance within the security forces. However, the highest ranks in Venezuela are still backing the socialist president.

Members of the government elite know the role security forces play in maintaining the status quo; a whole set of resources have been provided for the military, including food, water, money, weapons, and so forth. At this point, it is not in the best interest of government officials simply to leave the Maduro camp and risk their own safety as well as that of their loved ones.

Critics who accuse Guaidó of attempting a coup d’état against the government of Venezuela fail to understand what goes on under an authoritarian regime that is not open to dialogue. This situation is not about a democracy that has been threatened by the opposition. In fact, there is no democracy at all, and the humanitarian crisis seems to be worse than before.