The Bolivarian Revolution, Regional Integration and Development ─ Venezuela Counter-hegemonic Foreign Policy Towards Latin America and the Caribbean

Drawing from an impressive selection of primary sources, interviews with government officials and international relations literature, Rodrigo Acuna investigates Venezuela’s foreign policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean under the Bolivarian revolution. Focusing predominantly on the era of Hugo Chavez (1999-2012), Acuna demonstrates how Venezuela has become an important protagonist in forging greater unity in the region.

While internationally Chavez was often portrayed by the Western media as an eccentric politician, who sought to make alliances with regimes that were hostile to Washington, the reality was often more complex. Taking its problems and setbacks into consideration, this book contends that Caracas has implemented rational policies in the area of international affairs in an attempt to break away from U.S. hegemony and create a multipolar world in which Latin America occupies a prominent and independent space. Starting with an examination of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA), this book notes why the alliance today encompasses some 20 countries. As with ALBA, Venezuela’s oil diplomacy (Petrocaribe) successes as well as some of its weaknesses in the Caribbean and Central America also need to be taken account. Focusing mainly on Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), this book also argues that the bloc has become a crucial player in discussing regional conflicts, often out manoeuvring and even challenging the U.S.-led Organization of American States (OAS). Rodrigo Acuna concludes with reflections of Venezuela’s foreign policy since the death of Chavez. Focusing on some of president’s Nicolas Maduro’s domestic problems, he argues that Venezuela’s role in the region should not be overlooked in the post-Chavez era as this South American country still has numerous resources and allies throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. These tools still give Venezuela the ability to shape the region away from U.S. hegemony despite continuing domestic political issues.

The Bolivarian Revolution, Regional Integration and Development reminds its readers that when studied critically, Venezuela’s influence in shaping Latin America and the Caribbean is far greater than it is often given credit for, despite the fact that there are real limitations as to what a Third World state can achieve.