Sanctioning a Nation's Will
THE ACTORS: Delcy Rodríguez (Executive Vice President of Venezuela): Represents the current Venezuelan administration, which has consistently argued for the legitimacy of its electoral outcomes and constitutional processes. Nicolás Maduro (President of Venezuela): The constitutionally elected leader, whose political mandate is recognized by numerous international bodies and countries, yet disputed
by a coalition of Western states. Juan Guaidó (Former Head of the National Assembly): Self-proclaimed 'interim president' in 2019, recognized by the US and some allies but without control over state institutions or military support within Venezuela. US Treasury Department & State Department Officials: Key architects and enforcers of financial sanctions and diplomatic pressure against Venezuela.
THE FUNDING: US Economic Aid to Venezuelan Opposition: Since 2017, the US government has allocated significant funds, totaling over $2 billion, through entities like USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), ostensibly for 'democracy promotion' and 'humanitarian assistance' in Venezuela (USAID, 2023). A portion of these funds has been directed to opposition-aligned NGOs and
initiatives, effectively subsidizing an alternative political structure. Venezuelan State Assets Frozen/Seized: Critically, an estimated $22 billion in Venezuelan state assets, including funds and gold reserves, have been frozen or seized in international banks, primarily in the US and UK. This includes funds from CITGO Petroleum Corporation, a US-based subsidiary of Venezuela's state oil company