Venezuela Unraveled: The Ongoing Battle for Power and Survival

Understanding Venezuela’s state is not just about politics, it’s about the global fight for democracy, human rights, and stability.

Illustration By: (Hannah Arabella Gabling // The Underground)

In January 2025, María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s leading opposition figure, was “violently intercepted” during a protest, according to her statement on X, following what her team described as a “kidnapping.” This incident demonstrated the government’s escalating repression and desperation to maintain control.

For over a decade, Venezuela has faced a deepening crisis, marked by economic collapse, mass migration, and a political deadlock between Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime and an opposition movement striving to restore democracy. Now, as the country reaches a critical turning point, understanding the situation is essential for Venezuela’s future and the stability of South America. 

Historical Context: 

After the death of Hugo Chavez in March 2013, Nicolás Maduros, vice-president at the time,  assumed interim power and later ran for president in a highly contested election. The April 2013 election saw Maduro narrowly defeat his opposition Candidate Henrique Capriles, with a difference of less than 2% of the votes. Allegations of electoral fraud immediately surfaced, with the opposition demanding a recount and denouncing irregularities. However, Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) confirmed Maduro’s victory. Despite widespread protests and international concern, Maduro was sworn in, solidifying his grip on power.

After his election Venezuela’s political and economic conditions began to deteriorate rapidly. Venezuela, once one of Latin America’s wealthiest nations, spiraled into a crisis due to severe economic mismanagement, corruption and declining oil revenues. With Maduro in power hyperinflation soared, essential goods became scarce, and 7.7 million people have fled to neighboring countries and beyond in search of better living conditions.. All while Maduro’s government maximized control by jailing opposition leaders, censoring the media, and using security forces to suppress protests. These actions marked the beginning of a prolonged authoritarian rule, setting the stage for Venezuela’s ongoing turmoil.

Current situation: Crisis point

As the economic collapse intensified and Maduro held onto power through repression and alleged electoral manipulation, opposition leaders sought to challenge his rule. Between them is María Corina Machado. She emerged as one of the most vocal and determined figures, refusing to recognize Maduro’s legitimacy and rallying both domestic and international support for democratic change.

As a former national assembly member and the founder of the liberal political party Vente Venezuela, Machado has been a critic of Maduro’s authoritarian rule for a long time. Unlike other opposition figures, she has consistently rejected any type of dialogue with Maduro, advocating  for a full democratic transition. Her leadership and message has amassed supporters, making her a central figure in this ongoing fight. 

Maduro's government maintains power through repression, control of state institutions, and military backing, Machado has organized both domestic and international support for a democratic reform in the country. She has called for free and fair elections, denounced human rights abuses, and urged the international community to apply stronger pressure on Maduro’s regime. Her speeches, posts, and rallies all support the democratic ideology. However, her rise in popularity has also made her a prime target of government persecution.

She has been barred from holding public office, had her movements restricted, and, most recently, was “violently intercepted” by security forces during a protest in early 2025. Her supporters, as well as other opposition activists, have been arrested, threatened, or forced into exile. Despite these risks, Machado continues to challenge Maduro’s rule, representing a growing movement that demands change in Venezuela.

Unfortunately the country remains in a state of deep humanitarian and political crisis. Years of economic mismanagement, corruption, and declining oil revenues have led to severe hyperinflation, widespread poverty, and a shortage of essential goods such as food and medicine. Hospitals lack basic supplies, and millions of Venezuelans struggle with malnutrition.

Venezuela’s crisis has drawn global attention, with powers taking opposing sides. The United States, European Union, and Latin American nations have condemned Maduro, imposed sanctions, and backed the opposition, while Russia, China, and Iran support his regime. The crisis has also affected Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, which have received millions of migrants, fueling political debates and regional instability through South America.

The crisis is far from over. 

Understanding Venezuela’s state is not just about politics, it’s about the global fight for democracy, human rights, and stability. As future leaders, journalists, and global citizens, our awareness and advocacy can help drive international attention and action toward a just resolution for Venezuela.