Democracy at Risk: Why Venezuela’s Future Has the World on Edge
Good evening and tonight we’re looking at a story that goes far beyond one country. It’s about democracy, power and who gets to decide a nation’s future.
Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, is sounding a sharp warning about Venezuela. He says if the United States ends up running the country for years, Venezuelan society could, in his words, implode. That is a strong claim and it’s landing at a moment of deep uncertainty for the region.
This comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that American oversight of Venezuela could last much longer than originally expected. The U.S. is already deeply involved following the capture of longtime Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. An interim government is now in place and Washington has made clear it wants stability, access to Venezuela’s massive oil reserves and eventually, democracy.
But the big question is when and on whose terms.
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Petro’s concern isn’t just about Venezuela. He’s pointing to a broader fear across Latin America, the idea that powerful nations can step in, control resources and delay democratic choice in the name of order. For countries with long memories of foreign intervention, that fear runs deep.
Inside the U.S. administration, the message has not always been consistent. Some officials argue that Venezuela must first be stabilized before any election can happen. They say the country’s institutions are broken, the economy is fragile and rushing to the polls could cause chaos. Others insist that without a clear and timely path to elections, democracy becomes an empty promise.
Meanwhile, oil sits at the center of this debate. Venezuela has some of the largest reserves in the world and American companies are being encouraged to invest heavily in rebuilding its oil sector. Critics say that makes it harder to believe this is only about helping Venezuelans reclaim their democracy. Supporters argue that economic recovery is impossible without energy development.
On the ground, Venezuelans are caught in the middle. Many voted overwhelmingly for opposition candidates in past elections that were widely disputed. Their preferred leaders were blocked, sidelined, or forced into exile. Now they’re watching another powerful actor take charge, with no clear timeline for handing control back.
History offers cautionary lessons. Prolonged foreign control, even with good intentions, can fuel resentment, weaken local legitimacy and delay the very democratic culture it claims to protect. Petro’s warning reflects that fear, that democracy imposed from outside, or postponed indefinitely, may not survive at all.
As this story continues, the stakes remain high. For Venezuela, it’s about reclaiming voice and sovereignty. For the region, it’s about trust and balance of power. And for the world, it’s a reminder that democracy isn’t just about removing a strongman. It’s about who decides what comes next.
We’ll continue to follow how this unfolds, because what happens in Venezuela could reshape the meaning of democracy far beyond its borders.
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