Venezuela’s “Iron Lady” Wins 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

María Corina Machado, Venezuelan political activist and former presidential candidate, nicknamed the “Iron Lady,” won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Her activism spans decades, working to promote fair elections, liberalization of the economy, and human rights for the Venezuelan people. She is an outspoken critic of current President Nicolas Maduro, claiming that his administration has ties to transnational drug cartel Tren del Aragua and human trafficking circles. Most recently, she supported the Trump administration, and called for its help in ousting Maduro. Her willingness to support US-backed regime change has garnered many critics, who argue that it is not reflective of the values of the Nobel Peace Prize.

All that Glitters is Not Gold: An Examination of the Resource Curse’s role in the Political Status Quo of Venezuela

Nicolas Maduro securing a third presidential term signals a continuation of the current stagnant status quo. The inability to address inflation as well as mass unemployment and exodus of citizens would lead most other leaders to political ruin, however the revenue from state owned petroleum companies is keeping the regime viable. Venezuela and its people are the victim of the resource curse and its decades-long effects on the nation’s institutional, economic, and political stability.

Essequibo: A Generational Crisis

While Venezuela and Guyana have been locked into a cycle of recurring dispute over the vital region of Essequibo, the most recent escalation of the contention over it has raised alarms internationally. While the conflict itself is nothing new, increasingly aggressive maneuvers by the regime of Nicolás Maduro have particularly worried indigenous communities.

AmericasBy Will FullerMarch 27, 2024Venezuela, Guyana, Essequibo, annexation, river, oil reserves

Venezuela’s Economic Recovery: Why Are the Poor Becoming Poorer?

Venezuela's economy shows signs of recovery, driven by increased oil production. Still, the poor are left behind as the wealth gap grows, and access to foreign currencies remains limited for the majority of the population. The country's infrastructure for the rich expands while impoverished households suffer from food insecurity, water shortages, and lack of basic services.

From TX to MA: Shifting Immigration Policies on the U.S.-Mexico Border

AmericasBy Camila KellyJanuary 3, 2023Migration, Immigration, Mexico, Venezuela, United States

Increase of Refugees & Migrants Taking on the Darien Gap

AmericasBy Camila KellyNovember 2, 2022Gender-Based Violence, Refugee, Venezuela, Panama, Immigration, Migration, Colombia

Venezuela: A Questionable Shift in State Security

AmericasSabine TessonoOctober 1, 2019Domestic Politics, Economy, Development, Venezuela, Security, United States, Russia, Human Rights