Trump Should Engage with Venezuela, But He Won't

The collective punishment of the Venezuelan people has been an odious chapter in the history of our foreign policy that needs to end.

Francisco Rodriguez makes a compelling case for engagement with Venezuela:

No U.S. administration can overhaul Venezuela’s political system. But by setting achievable goals that address immediate needs, promote economic recovery, and support fundamental freedoms, the United States can help the Venezuelan people. A pragmatic approach that prioritizes economic recovery and gradual political progress will be far more effective in bringing Venezuela closer to change than a strategy of suffocation.

Trump’s policy of coercion and punishment was a complete failure on its own terms, so it would be wise for him to abandon that approach and opt for a policy of engagement paired with at least some sanctions relief. “Maximum pressure” produced widespread hunger and misery, impoverishing tens of millions of people and driving millions to seek refuge in other countries. Broad sanctions absolutely failed to push Maduro out of power, and instead it allowed him to consolidate his control. The collective punishment of the Venezuelan people has been an odious chapter in the history of our foreign policy that needs to end.

Unfortunately, there is no reason to expect that Trump will make major changes to the old Venezuela policy.