Venezuela: Democratic possibilities

In December 2006 President Hugo Chávez secured his second six-year term in office, winning 60 per cent of the popular vote. His electoral success has often been dismissed as the product of mere charisma and rhetoric. Chávez, after all, fulfils the requirements of a recurring character in Latin American politics – the populist leader. In spite of his submission to periodic elections, a number of outside observers view him as a despot capitalizing on social divisions for personal gain. Yet to write off Chávez as nothing more than a “ranting populist”, a “ruinous demagogue” or a “mercurial left-leaning leader” trivializes the complexities of Venezuela’s political realities. This chapter aims to rise above these convenient labels and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of populism and democracy using Ernesto Laclau’s framework.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions