Presented by Hopkins at Home, the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, and the Alumni in Government, Academia, Law & Policy Community, this virtual event featured María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s democratic opposition; David Smolansky, Visiting Fellow and Dissident in Residence at SNF Agora; and Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Senior Fellow at SNF Agora, for a conversation about Venezuela’s fight for democracy.
María Corina Machado shared the incredible challenges her movement has faced, including systemic repression, political persecution, and an uneven playing field in the July 2024 election. Despite these obstacles, her coalition secured a significant victory, with Venezuelans uniting across divisions to demand democratic change. Drawing global parallels to recent events, Machado referenced Syria: “If Assad’s regime can weaken and fall so suddenly, what makes Maduro think his grip on power is any less fragile? His alliances are failing, and so is his regime.”
David Smolansky provided a powerful perspective on the personal and national impact of the crisis, particularly the mass migration caused by the Maduro regime. “There are more than eight million Venezuelans abroad, making this the largest migration and refugee crisis in the world today,” he said. Smolansky highlighted how the diaspora, many of whom have faced unimaginable hardship, remains a vital voice for Venezuela’s democratic movement and will play a key role in rebuilding the country.
Anne Applebaum guided the discussion, emphasizing the connections between Venezuela’s challenges and global authoritarian trends. She noted how regimes like Maduro’s use polarization and disinformation to maintain control. She also pointed to the cracks forming in his support network, including weakened allies like Russia and Iran. These global parallels provide a broader perspective on the issue and help the audience understand the significance of the discussion.
The panelists called for continued international pressure on Maduro’s regime, urging global governments to hold him accountable, disrupt illicit financial flows, and support the Venezuelan people’s democratic aspirations. Machado and Smolansky also underscored the importance of the diaspora’s advocacy, highlighting that each voice is crucial, and its eventual return to help rebuild Venezuela, making us feel empowered and involved in the cause.
The event concluded with a note of optimism about Venezuela’s future. Machado underscored the resilience of her people: “Venezuelans have shown the world that change is possible, even under the harshest conditions. We are united by our shared desire for dignity, freedom, and a future where no one will be forced to leave their home.” This discussion serves as a testament to the power of collective action in the face of authoritarianism and as a call for solidarity from the global community, leaving us with a sense of hope and inspiration.