Venezuela as a Narco State

Join CSIS Americas for a public discussion on the policy implications of Venezuela’s escalation into a hub of organized crime. The political, social, and security chaos in Venezuela has stimulated a two-decade-long systematic erosion of the country’s institutions – creating the perfect breeding ground for illicit activity. Even as the United States and the international community increase pressure on the Venezuelan regime, Venezuela continues to solidify itself as a major player in money laundering, illicit drug production and drug transit. In response to Venezuelan government’s continuous human right violations and involvement in narco-trafficking, among other illicit activities, the United States and other like-minded countries have sanctioned more than 70 high-level Venezuelan government officials and military members, including President Nicolas Maduro and Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez.

This event will focus on the threats and risks of the growing crisis in Venezuela, the implications for neighboring countries and the region, and how the United States and the international community should respond. Brief remarks will be made by former Ambassador and CSIS Senior Adviser William Brownfield and CSIS Senior Adviser Juan Zarate, followed by a moderated discussion with CSIS Associate Director and Venezuelan expert Moises Rendon.

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[cmcas]

I'm from Venezuela.... this is spot on. Flawless presentation from the ambassador. He missed a few other things, like the Cuban infiltration of the institutions and the armed forces. Castro was absolutely instrumental in the logisitics of the dismantling of the country. The Castro regime always had in it's sights Venezuela.

[Gordian]

Venezuelan society, from the start, had a problem of civic principles as a whole, in all sectors of the population. It was pervasive before Chavez came in, his arrival was just a consequence. Cuba, China, Russia, Iran, Farc, influence has free rein because of these lack of civic principles to begin with.

[spla]

Some very self-assured opinions shared by the gentlemen in the panel. The goal justifies the means, but you are talking about peoples lives. People who democratically elected a government being punished in the name of regime change.

[Nicknamelikeyours]

4:30 is he salty about not getting paid? If it was a joke then why did he had to stop the moderator twice to emphasize he is not getting paid for the talk? The other guy even said "he always mentions it". Pathetic