Venezuela's Electoral Future: A Discussion with Carlos Ron (Second Part): Exploring Multipolarity and Internationalism in Upcoming Votings

Chatty Update: Interview with Carlos Ron

Carlos Ron serves as the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs for North America and leads the Simón Bolívar Institute, which champions global peace and solidarity. This interview, divided into two parts, delves into his views on US imperialism, Hyper-Imperialism, and the future of multilateralism, specifically addressing the current state of Latin American integration and the rising influence of BRICS.

Recent fluctuations in Latin American integration:`

In the early 21st century, Latin American integration gained traction. However, the momentum has waned slightly. In the current climate, marked by the decline of US imperialism, we have witnessed the emergence of multipolarity initiatives such as BRICS.

The weakening of imperialism brings about violence and attempts to suppress independence movements. These violent struggles pit governments that align with Hyper-Imperialism against those that advocate for regional unity, such as the one established under Chávez.

Hyper-Imperialism has been gaining ground in Latin America, Africa, and potentially southern Asia. This aggressive form of imperialism targets countries prone to factionalism and weakens unity. Though challenging, we have seen the rise of robust economies, such as China, and regional partnerships like BRICS, which now represent over 40% of the global population and wealth. In fact, the combined economic might of BRICS surpasses the combined G7 nations.

This shift towards Hyper-Imperialism signifies a changing world, as countries can now cooperate within a non-imperialist bloc, thus strengthening one another.

China's Economy and the China Model:

China, unlike imperialist powers, does not impose structural adjustments on other nations. Instead, China advocates for shared prosperity and a cooperative model encouraging collective growth. Unlike the US, which demands political alignment for its own benefit, the China model emphasizes mutual cooperation between nations.

These alterations signify a potential new world order, shifting away from US dominance and towards more balanced relationships among nations. Even though the US promotes unipolarity, multipolarity continues to evolve.

Internationalism in the Bolivarian Process:

The internationalist spirit has played a crucial role in the Bolivarian Revolution. We have cultivated strong alliances across Latin America and beyond by fostering connections with grassroots organizations and communities. These connections grant us a moral standing on the global stage and establish bonds with like-minded processes.

It is paramount to defend our states in the face of the imperialist world order, as neoliberalism — especially Hyper-Imperialism — seeks to undermine our sovereignty by dictating their own “rules-based order.”

However, we recognize the inherent contradiction—our revolutionary process challenges the bourgeois state, while the state functions as a protective barrier against external aggression. To offset this tension, we have established the Group of Friends of the UN Charter, an international coalition of 20 nations dedicated to safeguarding international law and ensuring that imperial powers do not trample upon it.

With the 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections approaching:

The upcoming election marks another battle within our 25-year-long revolution against our fascist enemies backed by Hyper-Imperialism. Fascism will attempt to derail the revolution once more.

Trump’s former administration launched a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Venezuelan economy; yet, despite these attacks, the people understand that the Bolivarian government is the only viable option to secure social achievements and maintain peace. Though various opposition groups exist in Venezuela, the factions typically backed by the US are inherently violent and refrain from presenting candidates or constructive political platforms. Instead, they rely on discrediting the electoral process and questioning its legitimacy.

Despite these challenges, the people of Venezuela will continue to vote for the revolution, as they prioritize growth, emancipation, and maintaining peace over violence.

The main challenges ahead for the Bolivarian Process:

Our revolution faces numerous hurdles. First, we must transform the Venezuelan productive model by ending our dependency on oil, a vulnerable and environmentally harmful resource, and ensuring economic self-sufficiency. Second, we must develop the democratic model of the revolution, particularly by fostering the growth and interconnection of communes, enabling them to function as a unified and effective force. Lastly, we must rekindle the spirit of continental integration by forging cooperative alliances with countries that share our desire for social justice and transformation.

As 2024 approaches and the Venezuelan presidential elections near, the Bolivarian Process faces another challenge against its fascist enemies backed by Hyper-Imperialism, who seek to derail the revolution.
To offset the inherent tension between challenging the bourgeois state and defensively protecting it, the Bolivarian Process has established the Group of Friends of the UN Charter, an international coalition dedicated to safeguarding international law and preventing imperial powers from infringing on it.
In the context of multilateralism, the shift towards Hyper-Imperialism signifies a world in transformation, where countries can now cooperate within a non-imperialist bloc, such as BRICS, to strengthen one another and counterbalance the influence of imperialist powers.