The Conversation with Dasha Burns María Corina Machado on her hopes for Venezuela’s future
Feb 6, 2026
María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on hopes for a rapid return to democracy and plans for reconstruction. Brian Tyler Cohen, progressive political creator and commentator, on the blurring lines between journalism and content creation and the future of progressive politics. They discuss regime dismantling, election timelines, economic reform, media shifts, and mobilizing new political leaders.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unstoppable Momentum For Change
- María Corina Machado says dismantling Venezuela's regime is irreversible after 27 years of struggle.
- She describes current events as decisive historic hours for Venezuela and the Americas.
Regime As International Criminal Network
- Machado argues Venezuela's problem is a criminal network tied to foreign adversaries like Iran, Russia, China, Cuba, Hezbollah, and drug cartels.
- She says dismantling that embedded structure is complex and requires careful, sustained action.
Don’t Let Regime Figures Lead Transition
- Machado says Delcy Rodríguez is unsustainable as an interim leader because she symbolizes the corrupt mafia.
- She urges further dismantling of the repressive structure to enable a legitimate transition.