Instability has yet to prompt change in Venezuela

Significance

Twelve people died and more than 1,000 were arrested during a week of opposition protests led by the anti-government Democratic Unity Movement (MUD). The government has described the protests as ‘terrorism’ and US-encouraged. Despite enormous economic hardship, the government continues to maintain the support of a loyal segment of the population, which it has mobilised in counterdemonstrations. The current situation presents risks to both the government and its opponents.

Impacts

• Accounts of violence will remain controversial as pro- and anti-government groups battle for domestic and international support.
• External actors will remain divided and indecisive as to the most appropriate intervention.
• The onus will remain on the MUD, which must determine consensual next steps to prevent its campaign from once again fragmenting.