Theories seen in Reality? A Look at Venezuelan Foreign Policy

Currently, the situation in South America is very much so coinciding with the readings that we have been discussing in class. This is especially true in what has been happening in Venezuelan foreign policy under the leadership of Hugo Chavez. After many domestic problems and occurrences being resolved under his presidency in Venezuela, Chavez decided to move his focus to foreign policy, especially regarding the US in 2004. Chavez’s influence and stance in world politics exemplifies the theory of radicalism on a world scene that’s dominated by the neoliberal ideology of the US. This just goes to show that what many political theorist seem to think as a growing hegemonic power (the US and neoliberalism) has not squashed all opposition yet. Chavez’s Venezuela is yet another example of multipolarity on the world stage with regard to foreign policy.

Chavez is opposed to the neoliberalist, capitalist foreign policy of the US. He shows the influence that Marxism has in his politics in this way, and takes a page from Lenin’s book in opposing any form of imperialism. He has spoken out in UN conferences and has made quite clear to the world his intentions to restore power to the indigenous peoples of South America starting in Venezuela. As stated earlier, he is against neoliberal globalization. In my opinion, he is definitely catalyzing changes internationally in increasing subtle and not so subtle opposition to US foreign policy to the chargrin of US political leaders and interest. International theorists and the like should definitely keep an eye on the Venezuelan leader, because it seems to me that he is inciting an opposition to US policy and politics and threatening the possibility of a neoliberal hegemon at least in the Americas.

Chavez’s goal in his reforms domestically is to move Venezuela into a completely socialist nation through social and economic reform. With regard to international relations, this is very significant because it shows, contrary to some articles that we have been reading in class, that socialism and other radical theories were not crushed in reality when the Soviet Empire fell. In fact, it seems to me that the world is not so much moving towards a complete liberalist globalized hegemony because nations like Venezuela are showing that there is indeed opposition to the ideals of some Western countries like the US. Venezuela is playing her oil card in dealing with international relations as well. Chavez knows the power he holds and intends to use it. I think that Venezuela’s influence on other Latin American countries is significant as well because the opposition to neoliberalism is growing as Venezuela’s influence is growing.