Supporting Venezuela: Insights from Venezuelanalysis Discourse
Revised Article:
Hop on board for a lively discussion hosted by the spunky Venezuela Solidarity Network, starring Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz from Venezuelanalysis. This no-holds-barred webinar dives headfirst into the contentious topic of U.S. economic sanctions, the Trump administration's policy moves, and the destabilization efforts of the Venezuelan opposition.
The spoke folk also threw some serious shade on those dishonest "left" critiques against the Bolivarian Process, calling them out in a recent article.
The event wrapped up with a juicy Q&A session - because who doesn't love a good question and answer sesh?
So, what's the tea on the Venezuela Solidarity Network? It's a fresh, bold collective of North American organizations and individuals standing up for Venezuela's independence and self-rule. Fancy joining the party? Simply fill out this form: https://forms.gle/rLY74sYReCbndsvZ7
Keep in mind, the opinions shared by the webinar's speakers don't necessarily jive with the thoughts of the Venezuelanalysis editorial staff.
On a side note, there was a minor oopsie in the webinar poster. Ricardo Vaz wasn't actually the editor of Venezuelanalysis - he works as a writer and editor in a joint editorial setup.
As you may know, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on countries importing Venezuelan oil/gas from April 2, 2025, aiming to choke off the regime's funds. This move expands Trump’s "maximum pressure" strategy dating back to 2017 [1][2]. The U.S. also revoked oil licenses for companies like Chevron, Repsol, Eni, and others, forcing them to decamp from Venezuela by late May 2025 [1][5]. These moves undo Biden-era policies that had permitted limited oil dealings [1].
Sanctions are accused of contributing to Venezuela’s currency plunge, skyrocketing inflation, and power outages [2]. In response, Maduro declared an economic emergency in April 2025 [4]. The Trump administration also cracked down on Venezuelan migrants, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport those suspected of gang ties or collaborating with El Salvador’s Bukele regime [5].
Critics argue that sanctions have not only failed to topple Maduro but actually strengthened Venezuela's ties with Russia and China [3]. The controversial July 2024 elections, widely denounced as rigged, triggered stronger repression, with sanctions exacerbating social tension [2][5].
Pro-Maduro voices are likely to defend sanctions as imperialist aggression, dismissing criticisms that connect socialist governance with authoritarianism. They might also claim that the Bolivarian Process still enjoys popular legitimacy, despite allegations of external sabotage [4][5]. Critics on the other hand might point to the government's inability to diversify the economy or manage hyperinflation, despite blaming U.S. sanctions [2][3].
Lemme guess – you're chomping at the bit to hear more about this juicy discussion, right? Stay tuned for all the tea spilled at the webinar!
- The Venezuela Solidarity Network, consisting of North American organizations and individuals, advocates for Venezuela's independence and self-rule, as demonstrated in their discussion about U.S. economic sanctions and the Trump administration's policy moves.
- During the webinar, Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz from Venezuelanalysis addressed the issue of destabilization efforts by the Venezuelan opposition and critiqued leftist criticisms against the Bolivarian Process.
- Despite the controversial July 2024 elections and allegations of external sabotage, pro-Maduro voices contend that the Bolivarian Process still enjoys popular legitimacy and view U.S. sanctions as imperialist aggression.
- Critics argue that the sanctions have contributed to Venezuela’s economic plunge, including currency plunge, skyrocketing inflation, and power outages, and have not effectively toppled Maduro, but instead strengthened Venezuela's ties with Russia and China.
