Maduro Faces Growing Isolation as Key Allies Fall
CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is facing increasing regional isolation after losing the public support of two key allies – Cuba and Bolivia – within the past week. The shifting alliances come as Maduro navigates ongoing political and economic crises, and as the United States considers its options regarding sanctions and potential negotiations with the Venezuelan government.
The departures of Cuba and Bolivia represent a notable blow to Maduro, who has long relied on these nations for economic assistance and diplomatic cover. Cuba, a historic ally, recently signaled a shift in its approach, citing VenezuelaS deteriorating human rights situation and lack of political progress. Bolivia’s new right-leaning government has also distanced itself from Maduro, reversing policies enacted by its predecessor. This leaves maduro increasingly reliant on nations with less influence or those facing their own international scrutiny.
Since succeeding Hugo Chávez as president in 2013, Maduro has grown accustomed to living one day at a time, especially in the many crucial crises that only led to him tightening his grip on power, peopel who have dealt with him directly told CNN.He is now preparing for a potential round of negotiations, and will likely be reluctant to concede any leverage unless compelled to do so.
“He’s preparing for a round of negotiations, so he will not give up any card in his deck unless he’s forced to,” a diplomat in Caracas told CNN last month, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
This strategy is rooted in Maduro’s background as a former union boss, and reflects a belief that the White House is unlikely to risk foreign intervention in Venezuela, given limited US public appetite for such action and the specific concerns of former President Trump’s base.
Currently, maduro’s remaining regional partners include nicaragua, whose president Daniel Ortega shares Maduro’s authoritarian tendencies, and Iran, which has deepened ties with Venezuela in recent years, notably in the areas of oil and trade. However, these relationships offer limited economic or political support compared to the assistance previously provided by Cuba and Bolivia.
The loss of these allies further complicates Maduro’s position as Venezuela continues to grapple with a severe economic collapse, a humanitarian crisis, and widespread political unrest. The United States has imposed sanctions on Venezuela aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down and allow for free and fair elections. The future of venezuela remains uncertain as Maduro attempts to navigate a rapidly changing regional landscape.
