The Role of Chavez's System in Venezuela's Economic Downturn

Christian and Rudy join Chris Gilbert and Cira Pascual Marquina, authors of Venezuela, The Present as Struggle: Voices from the Bolivarian Revolution for a discussion on the past, present and future of the Bolivarian  revolution. We cover the history of the revolution from its origins as a  reaction against the neoliberal adjustments in the late 80s, through  the electoral victory up to the declaration of the revolution as  socialist in 2006. We discuss Communes in both urban and rural settings,  and their role in the transition to socialism, the questions around Oil  and the Economy, the economic problems of the revolution, the shadows  of bureaucratization, the differences between the cities and the  countryside and possible way forwards for the revolution.

Make sure to check Venezuela Analysis, and in particular their Youtube videos where they visit the Panal and Che Guevara communes.