Discussion Continues on Global Politics and Venezuela's Upcoming Elections with Diplomat Carlos Ron (Second Part)
In the early 21st century, a significant push for Latin American integration arose, although it's currently less robust. However, amidst the decline of US imperialism, we're witnessing the rise of multipolarity initiatives like BRICS. Imperialist decay - and the chaos it breeds - is prevalent globally. In the last decade, the world has seen a clash between independence movements and a extreme far-right linked to US interests.
The forces of Hyper-Imperialism, an aggressive phase of imperialist aggression, have been a barrier to regional unity reminiscent of Chávez's era. As Hyper-Imperialism asserts itself in Latin America, Africa, and potentially southern Asia, we've seen expansive economies, such as China's, and robust blocs like BRICS emerge. These blocs now represent 40% of the world's population and wealth, surpassing the G7 nations combined.**
The emergence of Hyper-Imperialism signals a shifting world order. Countries can now collaborate within a non-imperialist bloc while strengthening each other. For instance, China refrains from imposing structural adjustments as traditionally done by imperialist powers. Instead, China emphasizes shared prosperity through a cooperation model that fosters mutual growth. This approach contrasts starkly with the political alignment the US demands, which often weaken nations and stimulate unhealthy competition.**
Consequently, a new world order with greater balance is possible. While the US promotes unipolarity, multipolarity continues to prevail.
International solidarity at the grassroots level is vital for bolstering social transformation processes like the Bolivarian one. In your opinion, how crucial is such internationalism for the Bolivarian Process?
Internationalism has greatly impacted the Bolivarian Revolution. We've fostered alliances throughout Latin America and beyond by nurturing relationships with people and local grassroots organizations. This approach lends us moral support and generates international solidarity.
Today, it's essential to defend our states against the imperial world order, which seeks to erode nation-states through neoliberalism and Hyper-Imperialism. However, the US-imposed "rules-based order" is far from democratic, as it disregards the input of both nations and the masses.
Therefore, we're committed to fortifying nation-states within the global community. With this objective, we helped establish the Group of Friends of the UN Charter, a coalition of 20 countries working to uphold international law, often violated by the US.**
Strengthening nation-states poses a challenge, as our revolutionary project opposes the bourgeois state. Yet, we need to defend the state to protect ourselves from Hyper-Imperialism and to safeguard the transformations we seek. For now, only the state, in partnership with popular power, can thwart US unilateralism and Hyper-Imperialism.**
It's crucial for both governments and people to maintain an internationalist outlook. We need people-to-people cooperation and state-to-people cooperation to combat imperialism and push forward. To that end, the state must evolve to allow for popular decision-making. This transformative process isn't easy, but we are making progress.**
With Venezuela's 2024 presidential election just days away, what predictions do you have?
Next Sunday, the Bolivarian Revolution will once again face its enemies, who are backed by Hyper-Imperialist forces. Fascism will attempt to thwart our revolutionary process.
Despite all the economic attacks, such as the "maximum pressure" campaign led by former US President Donald Trump, the people of Venezuela understand that only the Bolivarian government can guarantee social achievements and peace. There are various opposition factions in Venezuela, but the most dangerous is the violent one with US backing that has failed to present a viable alternative or a platform.**
Instead, they've chosen a candidate with a questionable past, which illustrates their lack of interest in a fair election and instead, a plan to discredit our process.
I believe that the Venezuelan people will come out in droves on election day to defend the revolution, as they aren't interested in violence. Instead, they want to see their country grow and continue down the path of emancipation.
What challenges lie ahead for the Bolivarian Process?
We have numerous challenges to overcome. We must transform Venezuela's economic model, breaking away from oil dependency and establishing self-sufficiency. This includes deepening the democratic model, growing commune movements, and solving religious tensions.**
Also, we need to strengthen continental integration by fostering more internationalist cooperation and forging more just, respectful, and equitable relationships within the region. In doing so, our revolutionary goals may serve as a roadmap for other nations.
- The Bolivarian Process, in navigating the 2024 presidential election, anticipates fierce opposition from Hyper-Imperialist forces, yet believes in the citizen's mass participation to safeguard the revolutionary process.
- The Bolivarian Process faces challenges such as transforming the economic model towards self-sufficiency, deepening the democratic model, growing commune movements, and resolving religious tensions.
- To achieve long-term success, the Bolivarian Process wants to strengthen continental integration by forging more internationalist cooperation and establishing just, respectful, and equitable relationships within Latin America, using their revolutionary goals as a roadmap for other nations.
