“As the situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, we must not forget that various state and criminal actors are actively undermining U.S. and international efforts to restore Venezuelan democracy and rule of law. Their influence props up the Maduro dictatorship, provides lifelines for its survival, and enables a culture of corruption and narcotrafficking to thrive while the Venezuelan people suffer. The U.S. and many other countries have enacted strong measures against the Maduro regime. However, the presence of Cuba, Russia, China, Iran, and criminal networks undercut U.S. and international efforts to pressure the Venezuelan government. This hearing will examine the economic, military, and political influence of these state and non-state actors and consider how the U.S. and our international partners can counter these underlying challenges.”

Witnesses

R. Evan Ellis, Ph.D.

Senior Associate

Americas Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies

Mr. Francisco Toro

Executive Editor

Caracas Chronicles

Harold Trinkunas, Ph.D.

Senior Research Scholar and Associate Director for Research

Center for International Security and Cooperation

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

Stanford University