All that Glitters is Not Gold: An Examination of the Resource Curse’s role in the Political Status Quo of Venezuela

Nicolas Maduro securing a third presidential term signals a continuation of the current stagnant status quo. The inability to address inflation as well as mass unemployment and exodus of citizens would lead most other leaders to political ruin, however the revenue from state owned petroleum companies is keeping the regime viable. Venezuela and its people are the victim of the resource curse and its decades-long effects on the nation’s institutional, economic, and political stability.

AmericasBy Christopher DonatelliOctober 30, 2024Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela Election, Latin American Economics, Institutional Corruption, Energy Economics

Venezuela’s Economic Recovery: Why Are the Poor Becoming Poorer?

Venezuela's economy shows signs of recovery, driven by increased oil production. Still, the poor are left behind as the wealth gap grows, and access to foreign currencies remains limited for the majority of the population. The country's infrastructure for the rich expands while impoverished households suffer from food insecurity, water shortages, and lack of basic services.