Alejandro Velasco

Alejandro Velasco, an academic expert on Venezuelan politics and economy, provides deep insights into Venezuela's tumultuous economic history. They explore how the oil boom contributed to dependency and eventual crisis. Listeners learn about the impacts of hyperinflation and informal dollarization on everyday life. Velasco discusses the role of U.S. sanctions, the ongoing political stalemate, and how remittances have brought about uneven economic stabilization. It's a compelling dive into a nation's struggles and resilience.

Alejandro Velasco, a historian of modern Venezuela and associate professor at NYU, explores the complexities of his homeland. He discusses how oil has shaped Venezuela's political landscape and societal dynamics. Velasco delves into the rise of Chavismo and its impact on democracy, detailing key events like the Caracazo massacre and the 2002 coup. He shares personal stories of emigration and the challenges faced by families due to ongoing crises, providing a powerful lens on a nation rich in resources yet fraught with governance issues.

David Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times, Luisa Palacios, an energy finance expert, and Alejandro Velasco, a historian of Venezuelan politics, delve into the aftermath of Maduro's arrest. They explore the motivations behind the U.S. action, assess the feasibility of controlling Venezuela without ground troops, and unravel the implications for everyday Venezuelans. The guests also discuss the intertwined history of U.S. interests in Venezuelan oil and the potential risks of occupation, while reflecting on the broader consequences for American credibility in global politics.

In this engaging discussion, Alejandro Velasco, a history professor at NYU specializing in Venezuelan history, unpacks the journey of Venezuela from a thriving democracy to a struggling dictatorship. He details Chávez's nationalization of oil and its dire repercussions. The conversation explores the chaos following the 2002-03 PDVSA strike, escalating repression under Maduro, and the impact of U.S. sanctions. Velasco emphasizes the importance of nuanced understanding over simplistic narratives, examining Venezuela's complex socio-political landscape.

Alejandro Velasco, a historian and NYU professor, dives into the complex legacy of Venezuelan leaders Bolívar and Chávez. He examines Chávez's dramatic exhumation of Bolívar to solidify his political myth. The discussion touches on Bolívar’s personal tragedies and military strategies that shaped his quest for independence. Velasco also explores Chávez's rise from failed coup leader to president during a tumultuous economic period, revealing how his charisma and media presence transformed Venezuela’s political landscape.

Freddy Guevara, a Venezuelan opposition leader in exile, shares his harrowing journey through arrest and negotiation while expressing skepticism about the new leadership. Journalist Mariana Zúñiga recounts her gripping experience witnessing the upheaval in Caracas, highlighting the pervasive fear among citizens. Historian Alejandro Velasco delves into the vital role of oil in Venezuela's history and its impact on U.S. relations. Together, they discuss the uncertain future of Venezuela, the implications of Maduro's capture, and the complex road ahead for democracy.

Alejandro Velasco, a Latin American historian, Gabriel Hetland, a professor of Latin American Studies, and Yoletty Bracho, a political science expert, explore the U.S. assault on Venezuela and the implications of President Maduro's kidnapping. They discuss Trump's imperialist motives, the role of expatriate opposition in shaping narratives, and fears of authoritarian rule in Venezuela. The panel delves into the complexities of Venezuelan politics, migration, and the symbolism of oil, while considering potential backlash across Latin America.

In this enlightening discussion, Alejandro Velasco, a historian from NYU, Gabriel Hetland, a professor at SUNY Albany, and political scientist Yoletty Bracho dissect the intricate dynamics of Venezuelan politics. They analyze Trump's strategies against Venezuela, shedding light on the role of opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado in shaping U.S. narratives. The conversation explores oil's centrality to national identity, the fragmentation within the Venezuelan opposition, and the implications of sanctions on the country's economic collapse, all framed within a context of rising authoritarianism.

In this discussion, Alejandro Velasco, an Associate Professor at NYU specializing in Latin American studies, sheds light on the alarming U.S. military buildup near Venezuela. He unpacks how this escalation feels unique compared to past interventions and tackles the political motives behind Trump's 'narco-terrorism' rhetoric. Velasco also explores the implications of possible regime changes and highlights the resilience of everyday Venezuelans amid growing tensions. His insights provide a nuanced understanding of a potentially escalating conflict.

Join Alejandro Velasco, an Associate Professor of History at NYU and expert on Venezuelan politics, as he discusses the complex landscape of Venezuela today. He contrasts Nicolás Maduro's leadership style with Hugo Chávez and explores the economic shifts that led Venezuela to a patrimonial state. Velasco unpacks the divide between the Venezuelan diaspora and those living in the country, highlighting key figures like María Corina Machado and Delcy Rodríguez, while critiquing U.S. foreign policy and its implications for Latin America.