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Why Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro Doesn’t Look Finished Quite Yet

By Oliver Stuenkel

Despite growing protests and widespread suffering, Venezuela’s president continues to outfox the opposition and foreign critics.

While it’s tempting to describe President Nicolás Maduro’s government as crazy or erratic, a closer analysis reveals that decision-makers in Caracas operate according to a clear – and effective – set of principles.

Indeed, Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chávez have long been aware of the fact that high-profile ruptures of democratic order – such as imprisoning all antagonistic politicians at once – risks mobilizing and unifying the domestic opposition as well as governments in the region. So, when the need to crack down on dissent or opposition arises, Maduro has opted for an...

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