Maduro’s Pragmatism and Control: A Deep Dive
- Almost a month after assuming the presidency, on January 5, 2026, Delcy Rodríguez governs a Venezuela seeking to stabilize after the fall of Nicolás Maduro, but without the...
- The Armed Forces quickly recognized the new leader and there was no military response following the US intervention and Maduro's capture.
- For David Smilde, a sociologist at Tulane University in New Orleans (United States) and an expert on Venezuela, Rodríguez has initially succeeded in consolidating herself within the Chavista...
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Almost a month after assuming the presidency, on January 5, 2026, Delcy Rodríguez governs a Venezuela seeking to stabilize after the fall of Nicolás Maduro, but without the political system undergoing fundamental change.
The Armed Forces quickly recognized the new leader and there was no military response following the US intervention and Maduro’s capture. But the internal situation remains contradictory: while the government announces the release of political prisoners and economic reforms, reports of new arrests continue and the repressive apparatus persists.
For David Smilde, a sociologist at Tulane University in New Orleans (United States) and an expert on Venezuela, Rodríguez has initially succeeded in consolidating herself within the Chavista power structure, but now faces greater tensions. As he explains to DW, “she has effectively established her leadership within the ruling circle,” even though he warns that the more arduous phase is now beginning: governing and implementing unpopular reforms within Chavismo.
Oil opening and negotiation with Washington
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The new government’s economic priority has been to quickly open the oil sector to private investment, seeking to attract capital and alleviate the economic crisis. Everything indicates that these measures had been discussed previously with Washington before Maduro’s arrest, as reported by, among others, the Wall Street Journal.
However, while Caracas seeks the lifting of sanctions, Rodríguez publicly insists that the United States must remain Venezuela’s Political and Humanitarian Crisis (as of January 31, 2026)
The situation in Venezuela remains a complex humanitarian and political crisis, with ongoing concerns regarding democracy and human rights as of January 31, 2026. While a definitive resolution hasn’t been reached, international focus continues to be on supporting the venezuelan people and addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the nation. Recent reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights continue to document widespread human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression. UN OHCHR – Venezuela. The economic crisis, which began in 2014, has lead to hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine, and a mass exodus of Venezuelans. as of December 2025, approximately 7.7 million Venezuelans have left the country, seeking refuge primarily in neighboring Latin American and caribbean nations, as well as in the United States.UNHCR – Venezuela Emergency. The United States has historically taken a strong stance against the Nicolás Maduro government, imposing sanctions and recognizing Juan Guaidó as the interim president in 2019.As of January 2026, the Biden administration has maintained a policy of targeted sanctions while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to facilitate a negotiated solution. U.S. Department of State – Venezuela. In October 2023, the U.S. government eased some sanctions in response to a humanitarian agreement reached between the Maduro government and the opposition, allowing for increased humanitarian aid to reach the Venezuelan population. U.S. Department of the Treasury – Venezuela Sanctions Relief.Though, broader sanctions remain in place. Other international actors, including the European Union and Canada, have also imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and entities accused of human rights abuses and undermining democracy. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating allegations of crimes against humanity committed in Venezuela. International Criminal Court – Situation in Venezuela. Venezuela is experiencing a severe economic contraction, with GDP falling by an estimated 80% between 2014 and 2021. World Bank – Venezuela. This has resulted in widespread poverty, malnutrition, and a breakdown of essential services, including healthcare and education. According to a 2024 report by Human Rights Watch, over 90% of Venezuelans live in poverty, and nearly one-third face food insecurity. Human Rights Watch – Venezuela. Access to healthcare is severely limited, with shortages of medicines, medical equipment, and qualified personnel. The collapse of the Venezuelan economy has also had a devastating impact on economic and social rights, including the right to work, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living. Efforts to rebuild the Venezuelan economy and restore these rights will require significant international assistance and a commitment to democratic governance.United States’ Role and international Response