Beyond Maduro: Building a Sustainable Democratic Transition in Venezuela zevans@freedom… Thu, 04/23/2026 - 12:57

Type

Policy Brief

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Countries

Venezuela

Issues

Promoting a Global Democratic Landscape

Authors (Text)

Alejandra Argueta

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Written by

Alejandra Argueta Deputy Director, Latin America and the Caribbean

Gabriela S. Program Director

On January 3, 2026, US special forces carried out Operation Absolute Resolve, capturing Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores and giving way to a new political reality in Venezuela. A significant blow to the authoritarian regime, the moment has restored hope for freedom to millions of Venezuelans.

However, over three months after Maduro’s removal, Venezuelan authorities have yet to signal a decisive break with his authoritarian rule. The country is wrestling with a legacy of severe human rights abuses, corrupt power structures, and an interim regime drawn from the vestiges of the previous administration.…