The Evolution of Authoritarianism in Venezuela under the Chavista Regime

Abstract

This essay explores authoritarianism in Venezuela since Chavez’s rise to power. By examining differing views on the Chavez-Maduro regime, providing context for the rise of this government, as well as insights into both Chavez and Maduro, the people they represented, and the policies each of these presidents implemented. This essay then claims that the 1999 to 2002 era of the Chavez regime was a fragile democracy. Between 2002 and 2006 the Chavez government became a competitive authoritarian regime. Subsequently Chavez's government transitioned into authoritarianism from 2007 to 2009. Once Maduro became president in 2013 and had massive crackdowns on the opposition protest movement in 2014, the Maduro government became a military strongman authoritarian regime.