Venezuela is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis, both political and economic. Economic dislocation and upheaval, widespread protests, and government crackdowns have left the country’s future troublingly uncertain. What is the short- and long-term outlook for Venezuela? How can the United States, the rest of Latin America, and the global community facilitate a transition back to economic growth, social peace, and political stability for the country? Panelists of scholars, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives addressed the challenges facing Venezuela and potential solutions.
This event was co-sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies and the Latin America Leadership Program.
SCHEDULE
8:45 a.m. | Welcome
9:00 -10:00 a.m. | The Economy: Business, Energy, and Finance
Ramon Espinasa, Inter-American Development Bank
Luis Vicente Garcia, Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce
Alejandro Werner, International Monetary Fund
Alvaro Santos, Georgetown Law Center (moderator)
10:00 -10:15 a.m. | Break
10:15 -11:15 a.m. | Politics: Prospects for Stability and Democracy
Juan Cruz, Western Hemisphere Affairs National Security Council
David Myers, Pennsylvania State University
Michael Shifter, Inter-American Dialogue
Matthew Carnes, S.J., Georgetown University Center for Latin American Studies (moderator)
11:15 -11:30 a.m. | Break
11:30 -12:30 p.m. | Society: Impacts on Civil Society & Participation
Carlos Ayala Corao, Catholic University “Andres Bello”
David Smilde, Tulane University
Erick Langer, Georgetown University Department of History (moderator)
12:30 p.m. | Concluding Remarks
