DOCSLIB.ORG

Culture Gram on VENEZUELA

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Culture Gram on VENEZUELA CultureGramsTM Bolivarian Republic of World Edition 2019 Venezuela European to explore the area. The Spanish soon began BACKGROUND conquering offshore islands and coastal regions. They named the area Venezuela ("little Venice") because the coastal Land and Climate homes were built on stilts, reminding them of Venice, Italy. Venezuela is a tropical land located at the top of South Caracas, the capital, was founded in 1567. America. It is about the same size as Nigeria, or slightly The Spanish Crown, which claimed the territory, larger than the U.S. states of Texas and Oklahoma combined. controlled Venezuela through the 18th century. After various The country is divided roughly into four geographic zones: failed revolts by American-born Spanish elite, a congress west, central, east, and south. The Andes Mountains dominate formed and declared independence in 1811. This began a the west, where the highest peak, Pico Bolívar, rises 16,427 10-year struggle to create a truly free and united country. feet (5,007 meters) above sea level. The central zone includes Finally, in 1821, the forces of Simón Bolívar were victorious the northern coast and Venezuela's largest cities. To the east at the Battle of Carabobo, and a republic was established. The of the Orinoco River is Los Llanos (“the plains”), a region republic (called Gran Colombia) contained Venezuela, occupying one-third of the country; jungles and high plateaus Ecuador, and Colombia. The republic dissolved in 1830, and are common to the west. Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in Venezuela became an independent country. the world, at 3,212 feet (979 meters), is in southeastern Post-Independence Venezuela. In the far south is a reserve for the country's Venezuela experienced instability and dictatorships for many Yanomami tribes. Covering 32,000 square miles (almost years. The 20th century began under the dictator Cipriano 83,000 square kilometers), the area is off-limits to farmers, Castro. He was deposed by Juan Vicente Gómez, his vice miners, and all non-Yanomami settlers. president, who ruled as a brutal dictator until his death in There are two seasons in most of Venezuela: wet and dry. 1935. More political instability and military coups followed. The rainy season is from May to November. Temperatures A freely elected president came to power in 1958, and average from 70 to 85°F (21–29°C), but the mountains can democratic elections became the norm. For a time, Venezuela experience cool temperatures, and some Andean peaks are was the most stable South American country and was also one snowcapped year-round. Earthquakes are not infrequent. of the wealthiest in the region. It has some of the world's largest-known oil reserves, and it benefited from high oil History prices in the 1970s and 1980s. Early Inhabitants and Colonization Carlos Andrés Pérez, who became president in 1989, Before the arrival of Columbus, Venezuela was inhabited by a introduced a controversial economic austerity plan to address number of indigenous groups, including the Caracas, Arawak, the plummeting price of oil and rising foreign debt. The and Cumanagotos. In 1498, Columbus became the first reforms boosted gross domestic product, but the wealth was 1 TM CultureGrams Venezuela concentrated in the hands of a few. Poverty, inflation, and Population unemployment increased, and violent opposition soon rose to Venezuela is one of the most urbanized countries in South challenge Pérez, who was impeached in 1993 and later America. The Caracas metropolitan area has nearly three imprisoned for misusing government security funds. Elections million inhabitants. Venezuela's other major cities include in 1993 brought a former president, Rafael Caldera, to office. Maracaibo, Valencia, Maracay, and Barquisimeto. Since Under Caldera's leadership, austerity measures and high 2014, an economic collapse and a political crisis have forced inflation sparked public protests, and the standard of living at least four million Venezuelans to flee the country, with for most Venezuelans declined dramatically. many going to neighboring Colombia. Rule of Chávez In general, the population is a racial mixture, and about Record-low oil prices in the late 1990s deepened Venezuela's half of the population is of mixed European and indigenous or economic crisis. Claiming to represent the needs of the poor, black heritage. The next largest group is white and of Hugo Chávez was elected president by a large majority in the European (mostly Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian) descent. A December 1998 elections. Chávez, who had led a coup small percentage of the population is black or indigenous. attempt in 1992, began to transform Venezuela's political Major indigenous groups include the Goajiro, who live in the system after coming to office, promising complete social west, and the Yanomami, who live in the south. reform. Under a new constitution in 1999, Chávez dissolved the bicameral parliament, established a single National Language Assembly, and gave greater powers to the president. Spanish is the official language and is spoken by almost Chávez's reforms increasingly polarized the country and everyone, with the exception of some indigenous people led to violent anti-government protests. In 2002, a military living in remote areas. These indigenous groups speak a coup temporarily ousted Chávez, but he returned to power variety of languages. The Spanish spoken in Venezuela is two days later. Political struggles continued with a nine-week known for its many unique words and phrases. Chévere general strike that paralyzed the nation and with a subsequent means "very well" or "cool." Estar pelando (to be peeled) and referendum on Chávez's rule. Chávez survived the strike and estar limpio (to be clean) can also mean "to be broke," or out referendum and was elected by a wide margin to a third term of money. Ponerse las pilas (to insert batteries) means "to in 2006. After his victory, Chávez proceeded with his agenda, wise up." The diminutive form, expressed with -ito at the end which included nationalizing sectors of the of a word, is often used to show affection. English classes are telecommunications and energy industries and land required in high school. redistribution. In a 2009 referendum, voters abolished term limits for elected officials, paving the way for Chávez to run Religion for reelection in October 2012, when he won his fourth term. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution. Still, the Chávez, however, died shortly thereafter, in March 2013. Roman Catholic Church has historically had a large voice in The Maduro Presidency government. Catholicism is deeply ingrained in the culture, In April 2013, Nicolás Maduro, Chávez's vice president, and about 96 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. narrowly won presidential elections. Maduro inherited a While many Catholics do not attend church services spiraling economy, caused in part by mismanagement, regularly, most profess some faith in God, the Catholic saints, corruption, and debt. When Maduro printed more money, and the Virgin Mary, and some display images of them in inflation soared, making basic goods unaffordable for many their homes. Protestant and other Christian faiths are Venezuelans. Maduro then implemented price controls and a becoming more prevalent. Santería is growing in popularity in fixed exchange rate, causing shortages of food, medicine, and Caracas and coastal towns; it fuses ideas from African other necessities. Crime and murder rates subsequently religions with tenets of Catholicism and involves worshipping soared. individuals who have lived and helped people in Venezuela, Recently, violent anti-government protests have become died in the country, and subsequently become saints. Rural frequent, but Maduro has cracked down on dissent, with people tend to be more devoted to their faith than are urban thousands of arrests. Although Maduro won reelection in residents. 2018, opposition and National Assembly leader Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president in January 2019, claiming General Attitudes that Maduro's inauguration was illegitimate because the 2018 Most Venezuelans take great pride in their country and the election was rigged. After his announcement, Guaidó was heroes of the independence movement. The South American formally recognized as interim president by many countries, liberator Simón Bolívar was Venezuelan, and while he is including the United States. Nevertheless, Maduro has honored in many other nations, he is a national treasure to refused to step down and continues to maintain the support of Venezuela. Most cities have a Plaza Bolívar that occupies a the nation's powerful military. Today, Venezuela is in crisis, block near the city center. It is considered rude to behave and at least four million people have fled the country, as disrespectfully in that plaza or to refer negatively to Bolívar. conditions have become more desperate. Venezuelans tend to admire honesty, generosity, and a good sense of humor. Their fondness of talking, joking, laughing, and spontaneity often creates a party-like THE PEOPLE atmosphere wherever they are. Venezuelans are usually forthcoming and are not afraid to talk about their personal 2 TM CultureGrams Venezuela problems with others. Schedules are usually loosely adhered include Hasta luego (Until later), Nos vemos (We'll see you), to, and arriving a few minutes late is not offensive. Scheduled and Chao (Good-bye). Adiós (Good-bye) is rarely used as it events may last longer than expected. People do not generally implies a permanent farewell. become impatient if required to wait for service at businesses, The elderly and other respected people may be addressed banks, or other public institutions. (especially in small cities) as Don (for men) or Doña (for Most Venezuelans are proud of the beauty of their country women), followed by the first name. Acquaintances and and of Venezuelan women; they may proudly point out that professionals are addressed by title (Doctor,Señor,Señora, winners of international beauty contests are frequently from etc.), usually followed by the surname.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro’S Cabinet Chair: Peter Derrah
    Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro’s Cabinet Chair: Peter Derrah 1 Table of Contents 3. Letter from Chair 4. Members of Committee 5. Committee Background A.Solving the Economic Crisis B.Solving the Presidential Crisis 2 Dear LYMUN delegates, Hi, my name is Peter Derrah and I am a senior at Lyons Township High School. I have done MUN for all my four years of high school, and I was a vice chair at the previous LYMUN conference. LYMUN is a well run conference and I hope that you all will have a good experience here. In this committee you all will be representing high level political figures in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as you deal with an incomprehensible level of inflation and general economic collapse, as well as internal political disputes with opposition candidates, the National Assembly, and massive protests and general civil unrest. This should be a very interesting committee, as these ongoing issues are very serious, urgent, and have shaped geopolitics recently. I know a lot of these issues are extremely complex and so I suggest that you do enough research to have at least a basic understanding of them and solutions which could solve them. For this reason I highly suggest you read the background. It is important to remember the ​ ​ individual background for your figure (though this may be difficult for lower level politicians) as well as the political ideology of the ruling coalition and the power dynamics of Venezuela’s current government. I hope that you all will put in good effort into preparation, write position papers, actively speak and participate in moderated and unmoderated caucus, and come up with creative and informed solutions to these pressing issues.
    [Show full text]
  • No Room for Debate the National Constituent Assembly and the Crumbling of the Rule of Law in Venezuela
    No Room for Debate The National Constituent Assembly and the Crumbling of the Rule of Law in Venezuela July 2019 Composed of 60 eminent judges and lawyers from all regions of the world, the International Commission of Jurists promotes and protects human rights through the Rule of Law, by using its unique legal expertise to develop and strengthen national and international justice systems. Established in 1952 and active on the five continents, the ICJ aims to ensure the progressive development and effective implementation of international human rights and international humanitarian law; secure the realization of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights; safeguard the separation of powers; and guarantee the independence of the judiciary and legal profession. ® No Room for Debate - The National Constituent Assembly and the Crumbling of the Rule of Law in Venezuela © Copyright International Commission of Jurists Published in July 2019 The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) permits free reproduction of extracts from any of its publications provided that due acknowledgment is given and a copy of the publication carrying the extract is sent to its headquarters at the following address: International Commission of Jurists P.O. Box 91 Rue des Bains 33 Geneva Switzerland No Room for Debate The National Constituent Assembly and the Crumbling of the Rule of Law in Venezuela This report was written by Santiago Martínez Neira, consultant to the International Commission of Jurists. Carlos Ayala, Sam Zarifi and Ian Seiderman provided legal and policy review. This report was written in Spanish and translated to English by Leslie Carmichael. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Explaining Chavismo
    Explaining Chavismo: The Unexpected Alliance of Radical Leftists and the Military in Venezuela under Hugo Chávez by Javier Corrales Associate Professor of Political Science Amherst College Amherst, MA 01002 [email protected] March 2010 1 Knowing that Venezuela experienced a profound case of growth collapse in the 1980s and 1990s is perhaps enough to understand why Venezuela experienced regime change late in the 1990s. Most political scientists agree with Przeworski et al. (2000) that severe economic crises jeopardize not just the incumbents, but often the very continuity of democratic politics in non-rich countries. However, knowledge of Venezuela’s growth collapse is not sufficient to understand why political change went in the direction of chavismo. By chavismo I mean the political regime established by Hugo Chávez Frías after 1999. Scholars who study Venezuelan politics disagree about the best label to describe the Hugo Chávez administration (1999-present): personalistic, popular, populist, pro-poor, revolutionary, participatory, socialist, Castroite, fascist, competitive authoritarian, soft- authoritarian, third-world oriented, hybrid, statist, polarizing, oil-addicted, ceasaristic, counter-hegemonic, a sort of Latin American Milošević, even political ―carnivour.‖ But there is nonetheless agreement that, at the very least, chavismo consists of a political alliance of radical-leftist civilians and the military (Ellner 2001:9). Chávez has received most political advice from, and staffed his government with, individuals who have an extreme-leftist past, a military background, or both. The Chávez movement is, if nothing else, a marriage of radicals and officers. And while there is no agreement on how undemocratic the regime has become, there is virtual agreement that chavismo is far from liberal democracy.
    [Show full text]
  • Judgment of 18 December 2020
    18 DECEMBER 2020 JUDGMENT ARBITRAL AWARD OF 3 OCTOBER 1899 (GUYANA v. VENEZUELA) ___________ SENTENCE ARBITRALE DU 3 OCTOBRE 1899 (GUYANA c. VENEZUELA) 18 DÉCEMBRE 2020 ARRÊT TABLE OF CONTENTS Paragraphs CHRONOLOGY OF THE PROCEDURE 1-22 I. INTRODUCTION 23-28 II. HISTORICAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND 29-60 A. The Washington Treaty and the 1899 Award 31-34 B. Venezuela’s repudiation of the 1899 Award and the search for a settlement of the dispute 35-39 C. The signing of the 1966 Geneva Agreement 40-44 D. The implementation of the Geneva Agreement 45-60 1. The Mixed Commission (1966-1970) 45-47 2. The 1970 Protocol of Port of Spain and the moratorium put in place 48-53 3. From the good offices process (1990-2014 and 2017) to the seisin of the Court 54-60 III. INTERPRETATION OF THE GENEVA AGREEMENT 61-101 A. The “controversy” under the Geneva Agreement 64-66 B. Whether the Parties gave their consent to the judicial settlement of the controversy under Article IV, paragraph 2, of the Geneva Agreement 67-88 1. Whether the decision of the Secretary-General has a binding character 68-78 2. Whether the Parties consented to the choice by the Secretary-General of judicial settlement 79-88 C. Whether the consent given by the Parties to the judicial settlement of their controversy under Article IV, paragraph 2, of the Geneva Agreement is subject to any conditions 89-100 IV. JURISDICTION OF THE COURT 102-115 A. The conformity of the decision of the Secretary-General of 30 January 2018 with Article IV, paragraph 2, of the Geneva Agreement 103-109 B.
    [Show full text]
  • Venezuela Location Geography Food
    Venezuela Location Venezuela, officially the Republic of Venezuela, is a republic (1995 est. pop. 21,005,000), 352,143 sq mi. (912,050 sq. km), in the northern part of South America. With the Caribbean Sea in the north, Venezuela has a coastline of 1,750 long. It is bordered on the south by Brazil, on the west and southwest by Colombia, and on the east by Guyana. Dependencies include Margarita Island, Tortuga Island, and many smaller island groups in the Caribbean. Caracas is the capital and also the largest city in Venezuela. Geography Venezuela, a third larger than Texas, occupies most of the northern coast of South America on the Caribbean Sea. Mountain systems break Venezuela into four distinct areas: (1) the Maracaibo lowlands; (2) the mountainous region in the north and northwest; (3) the Orinoco basin, with the llanos (vast grass-covered plains) on its northern border and great forest areas in the south and southeast, and (4) the Guiana Highlands, south of the Orinoco, accounting for nearly half the national territory. Food The food in Venezuela is generally easy and flavorful. Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, claims to have a greater variety of restaurants than any other South American city, and it would certainly be a pleasure to try and prove it, even if you failed. Venezuelan cooking has European, indigenous, and African roots – a heterodox cuisine formed over the centuries by immigrants. Some of the native dishes include: Page 1 of 7 - Pabellon - stewed and shredded meat accompanied by rice, black beans, and baban -Hallaca - a traditional Christmas dish.
    [Show full text]
  • Memorandum of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on The
    Memorandum of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the Application filed before the International Court of Justice by the Cooperative of Guyana on March 29th, 2018 ANNEX Table of Contents I. Venezuela’s territorial claim and process of decolonization of the British Guyana, 1961-1965 ................................................................... 3 II. London Conference, December 9th-10th, 1965………………………15 III. Geneva Conference, February 16th-17th, 1966………………………20 IV. Intervention of Minister Iribarren Borges on the Geneva Agreement at the National Congress, March 17th, 1966……………………………25 V. The recognition of Guyana by Venezuela, May 1966 ........................ 37 VI. Mixed Commission, 1966-1970 .......................................................... 41 VII. The Protocol of Port of Spain, 1970-1982 .......................................... 49 VIII. Reactivation of the Geneva Agreement: election of means of settlement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, 1982-198371 IX. The choice of Good Offices, 1983-1989 ............................................. 83 X. The process of Good Offices, 1989-2014 ........................................... 87 XI. Work Plan Proposal: Process of good offices in the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, 2013 ............................................. 116 XII. Events leading to the communiqué of the UN Secretary-General of January 30th, 2018 (2014-2018) ....................................................... 118 2 I. Venezuela’s territorial claim and Process of decolonization
    [Show full text]
  • Speech by Hugo Chavez Frías, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, During the 6 Th Session of the Uncdd
    SPEECH BY HUGO CHAVEZ FRÍAS, PRESIDENT OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA, DURING THE 6 TH SESSION OF THE UNCDD HAVANA, SEPTEMBER 1, 2003 Do you have a bell there, Fidel? How many minutes? There is no red light here? Fidel Castro: No red light, no bell, everybody here is entitled to express opinions freely and calmly, without anxiety. President Chavez: Thank you very much! HE. Mr. Hama Arba Diallo, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and Draught, my dear friend and colleague. H.E. Mr. Fidel Castro, comrade, brother, friend and President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba. H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Ganvari, Under Secretary General of the United Nations. Excellencies Heads of State, Heads of Governments, Vice Presidents and Parliament Presidents, Heads of Delegations and Delegates from the whole world. Ministers of Foreign Affairs, State Ministers, and Ambassadors of the World accredited to the Government of the Republic of Cuba, fellow countrymen from Venezuela, members of the delegation accompanying friends from the press, photographers, cameramen, all my friends and me. May I first of all express my happiness for being here now. Here again in Havana, in this city, in this Cuba which have held high for decades the banners of dignity for Latin America and the Caribbean. I want to transmit on behalf of the people of Bolivar, the people of Venezuela, the best and deep felt regards to the heroic people of Cuba, the people of Martí, the Cuban people. And through the Cuban people, through you, to all the nations of the world, to all the peoples of the Earth.
    [Show full text]
  • Venezuela: Issues for Congress, 2013-2016
    Venezuela: Issues for Congress, 2013-2016 Mark P. Sullivan Specialist in Latin American Affairs January 23, 2017 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R43239 Venezuela: Issues for Congress, 2013-2016 Summary Although historically the United States had close relations with Venezuela, a major oil supplier, friction in bilateral relations increased under the leftist, populist government of President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013), who died in 2013 after battling cancer. After Chávez’s death, Venezuela held presidential elections in which acting President Nicolás Maduro narrowly defeated Henrique Capriles of the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), with the opposition alleging significant irregularities. In 2014, the Maduro government violently suppressed protests and imprisoned a major opposition figure, Leopoldo López, along with others. In December 2015, the MUD initially won a two-thirds supermajority in National Assembly elections, a major defeat for the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). The Maduro government subsequently thwarted the legislature’s power by preventing three MUD representatives from taking office (denying the opposition a supermajority) and using the Supreme Court to block bills approved by the legislature. For much of 2016, opposition efforts were focused on recalling President Maduro through a national referendum, but the government slowed down the referendum process and suspended it indefinitely in October. After an appeal by Pope Francis, the government and most of the opposition (with the exception of Leopoldo López’s Popular Will party) agreed to talks mediated by the Vatican along with the former presidents of the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Panama and the head of the Union of South American Nations.
    [Show full text]
  • Princeton Model United Nations Conference 2017
    HISTORIC CABINET OF VENEZUELA PMUNC 2017 Princeton Model United Nations Conference 2017 Historic Cabinet of Venezuela Chair: Audrey Spensley 1 HISTORIC CABINET OF VENEZUELA PMUNC 2017 CONTENTS Letter from the Chair……………………………………………………………… 3 Committee Description……………………………………………………………. 5 Topic A:.…………………………………………………………………………….5 Introduction ………………………………………………………………….5 History of the Topic…………………………………………………………..8 Current Status……………………………………………………………….12 Keywords…………………………………………………………………...16 Questions for Consideration………………………………………………...17 Topic B:.…………………………………………………………………………....19 Introduction ………………………………………………………………...19 History of the Topic…………………………………………………………20 Current Status……………………………………………………………….23 Country Policy…………………………………………………………….....27 Keywords…………………………………………………………………....28 Questions for Consideration………………………………………………....29 2 HISTORIC CABINET OF VENEZUELA PMUNC 2017 LETTER FROM THE CHAIR Dear delegates, Hello and welcome to the Historical Cabinet of Venezuela! My name is Audrey Spensley and I’m so excited to be your chair this year. To introduce myself – I am a sophomore from Cleveland, Ohio majoring in Economics with certificates (minors) in Creative Writing and Spanish Language and Culture. On campus, I write for the news and sports sections of The Daily Princetonian, edit poetry for the campus literary magazine, and serve as an orientation leader for the Outdoor Action program, a week-long hiking trip for incoming freshmen. You may have heard in the news recently about Venezuela’s ongoing difficulties with runaway
    [Show full text]
  • Hugo Chávez's Death
    Hugo Chávez’s Death: Implications for Venezuela and U.S. Relations Mark P. Sullivan Specialist in Latin American Affairs April 9, 2013 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R42989 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Hugo Chávez’s Death: Implications for Venezuela and U.S. Relations he death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez on March 5, 2013, after 14 years of populist rule, has implications not only for Venezuela’s political future, but potentially for Tthe future of U.S.-Venezuelan relations. This report provides a brief discussion of those implications. For additional background on President Chávez’s rule and U.S. policy, see CRS Report R40938, Venezuela: Issues for Congress, by Mark P. Sullivan. Congress has had a strong interest in Venezuela and U.S. relations with Venezuela under the Chávez government. Among the concerns of U.S. policymakers has been the deterioration of human rights and democratic conditions, Venezuela’s significant military arms purchases, lack of cooperation on anti-terrorism efforts, limited bilateral anti-drug cooperation, and Venezuela’s relations with Cuba and Iran. The United States traditionally enjoyed close relations with Venezuela, but there has been considerable friction in relations under the Chávez government. U.S. policymakers have expressed hope for a new era in U.S.-Venezuelan relations in the post-Chávez era. While this might not be possible while Venezuela soon gears up for a presidential campaign, there may be an opportunity in the aftermath of the election. The Venezuelan Constitution calls for a new presidential election within 30 days; an election has now been scheduled for April 14, 2013.
    [Show full text]
  • Luisiana Ríos and Others Vs. the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Case 12.441 (The “RCTV” Case)
    INTER-AMERICAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS -------------------------------------------------------------------- x : Luisiana Ríos and others : : vs. : : : The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela : : Case 12.441 (The “RCTV” Case) : : -------------------------------------------------------------------- x BRIEF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE BAR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK AS AMICUS CURIAE IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONERS LUISIANA RÍOS AND OTHERS IN THE “RCTV” CASE ASSOCIATION OF THE BAR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK Of Counsel: 42 West 44th Street New York, New York 10036 DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON LLP United States of America 919 Third Avenue (212) 382-6600 New York, New York 10022 United States of America David McCraw, Chair of the Committee (212) 909-6000 on Communications and Media Law Jeremy Feigelson Amicus Curiae Erik Christopher Bierbauer Lawrence J. Lee Catherine M. Doll Michael Howe Dated: New York, New York July 31, 2008 22789352v1 Table of Contents Page Preliminary Statement......................................................................................................................2 Statement of Interest ........................................................................................................................4 Statement of Facts............................................................................................................................6 A. Venezuela’s Actions to Injure and Suppress RCTV and its Employees ..........................6 1. Statements Generating Public Hostility to RCTV and its Personnel.......................7 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Centralized Federalism in Venezuela
    Duquesne Law Review Volume 43 Number 4 Federalism in the Americas ... and Article 9 Beyond, Part I 2005 Centralized Federalism in Venezuela Allan R. Brewer-Carias Follow this and additional works at: https://dsc.duq.edu/dlr Part of the Law Commons Recommended Citation Allan R. Brewer-Carias, Centralized Federalism in Venezuela, 43 Duq. L. Rev. 629 (2005). Available at: https://dsc.duq.edu/dlr/vol43/iss4/9 This Symposium Article is brought to you for free and open access by Duquesne Scholarship Collection. It has been accepted for inclusion in Duquesne Law Review by an authorized editor of Duquesne Scholarship Collection. CENTRALIZED FEDERALISM IN VENEZUELA* Allan R. Brewer-Caria* Federalism in Venezuela reveals a very contradictory form of government. Typically, a Federation is a politically decentralized State organization based on the existence and functioning of autonomous States. The power of that decentralized state organi- zation is distributed among the national State (the Union or the federation) and the member States. In contrast, the Federation in Venezuela is a Centralized Federation, which of course, is a con- tradiction in itself. That is why, unfortunately, my Country is not a good example for explaining "Federalism in the Americas," being as it is a Fed- eration based in a very centralized national government, with 23 formal autonomous states. Each of these 23 formal autonomous states is without their own effective public policies and without their own substantive sub-national constitutions. But our Federation has not always been like it is now. The process of centralization of the Federation progressively occurred during the 20th Century, and has been particularly accentuated during the past five years.
    [Show full text]