The Future of Venezuela Initiative

The Project influences policy dialogue on the future of Venezuela through strategic convening and critical research and policy analysis that produces practical, evidence-based, and forward-looking policy recommendations

Venezuela is a failed state that poses a significant security threat to the Western Hemisphere. The Future of Venezuela Initiative of the Center for Strategic & International Studies is led by director Ryan C. Berg.

Recent programming includes the following topics:

  • A roadmap and lessons for negotiations in Venezuela.
  • Violence and insecurity amidst the burgeoning presence of non-state actors.
  • Growing geopolitical challenges borne of foreign actors that prop up the Maduro Regime.
  • Tackling environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and gas flaring. 
  • The role of the oil sector in Venezuela’s economic degradation and economic rebuilding.
  • Improving the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance to Venezuelan migrants in neighboring countries and attending to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela.
  • Advancing effective political engagement of youth and women in a democratic transition.
  • The effect and future of international sanctions on Venezuela.

Experts

Juan Cruz

Juan Cruz

Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Americas Program and Director, Argentina-U.S. Strategic Forum

All The Future of Venezuela Initiative Content

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Imagery from Venezuela Shows a Surgical Strike, Not Shock and Awe

CSIS experts analyze new satellite imagery of U.S. strikes against Venezuela carried out during the mission to capture Nicolás Maduro.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg, Mark F. Cancian, Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Jennifer Jun, Henry Ziemer, and Chris H. Park — January 9, 2026

Maduro Captured: What Comes Next for Venezuela?

Maduro’s capture is a significant tactical victory for the United States, the region, and Venezuelans. Whether it leads to long-term strategic gains for the United States and Venezuelans, meaning a return to democracy, will be clear only with time.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — January 3, 2026

Audio Briefs

Ending Maduro’s Oil Lifeline: Reviewing Oil Licenses Granted Under the Barbados Accord

An audio version of “Ending Maduro’s Oil Lifeline: Reviewing Oil Licenses Granted Under the Barbados Accord,” a new commentary by CSIS expert Ryan C. Berg, Jose Ignacio Hernández, and Alexandra Winkler. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg, Jose Ignacio Hernández, and Alexandra Winkler — January 24, 2025

Audio Briefs