Urgent Calls for Change: The Case for Regime Change in Venezuela

Introduction

In the heated backdrop of U.S.-Venezuela relations, former envoy Elliott Abrams has emerged with a clarion call for genuine regime change in Venezuela. With the Biden administration's current policies facing scrutiny, Abrams argues that now is not the time for half-measures against the Maduro regime. In this piece, I will explore his insights and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Context: The Situation in Venezuela

Venezuela, once a leading democracy in Latin America, is now strangled under a brutal dictatorship that has driven its citizens into poverty and exile. Under the leadership of Hugo Chávez and his successor, Nicolás Maduro, the nation has experienced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Over eight million Venezuelans, nearly a quarter of the population, have fled the country, resulting in a refugee crisis that extends beyond its borders. This isn't just a Venezuelan crisis; it's one that threatens the stability of the entire region, including the U.S.

The Call for Regime Change

“We must confront the reality that this regime, surrounded by drug traffickers and human rights violators, cannot lead Venezuela back to democracy.” — Elliott Abrams

Abrams argues that the Biden administration's current policy of *engagement* is failing. He believes that merely seeking a change of leadership while allowing existing structures and their criminal elements to persist won't lead to lasting stability or democracy. Serious, coordinated action backed by U.S. influence is needed to ensure a *true* transition to democracy.

Critique of Current U.S. Policy

The hesitance to fully engage has been a significant point of contention. Abrams's interview highlights a critical introspection, questioning why the U.S. continues to back a regime that disregards human rights and encompasses widespread corruption. Conversations between U.S. officials and the Maduro government have lacked urgency and, more importantly, clarity on how to achieve a democratic transition.

The Benefits of Regime Change

• Humanitarian Relief: A transition could end the severe suffering of the Venezuelan people and facilitate aid.
• Regional Stability: Restoring democracy in Venezuela would positively impact neighboring countries, reducing the refugee crisis affecting Colombia and other states.
• Security Concerns: A change in leadership could diminish the influence of adversarial actors like *China*, *Russia*, *Iran*, and groups like *Hezbollah* in the region.

Political Landscape and Military Dynamics

Abrams notes that Venezuela's military, entwined with criminal organizations, will be integral to any negotiation aimed at securing new leadership. Historical precedents in Latin America reveal that effective transitions often involve negotiations with the military–a party that, until today, has remained loyal to Maduro's corrupt regime.

U.S. Leverage and Options

While Abrams acknowledges that military action should be a last resort, he emphasizes that the U.S. must maintain all options on the table, including sanctions, military pressure, and diplomatic advocacy for the Venezuelan opposition. The challenge is ensuring that those efforts do not backfire.

Conclusion: The Urgency of Action

The dated comparisons to scenarios in *Iraq* or *Syria* miss one key point: the need for a liberating force that is not rooted in violence but in the fostering of democracy and accountability. The U.S.'s hesitance to confront the regime directly raises pressing questions about its commitment to liberty and democracy. If change does not happen soon, the humanitarian crisis will deepen, and the U.S. may be left grappling with the consequences of inaction.

It's time to reconsider strategies, embrace the urgency of the moment, and support the quest for a democratized Venezuela—because the stakes are far too high for both Venezuela and the United States.