Calls for more popular participation are not essential to populism; rather, they are a symptom of perceived exclusion (which might well be a reality, especially in Latin America). But cries for political inclusion are different from demands for direct democracy. Where direct democracy is very much a part of normal politics – in Switzerland, for example – populist parties have been doing better, not worse, than elsewhere.

Venezuela's next leader must confront rampant crime, economic distortions, and political divisions. This Issue Guide provides background and analysis on Sunday's election and the post-Chávez era.

Julia Sweig looks at Venezuela's upcoming presidential election through the lens of advertisements.

Julia E. Sweig argues the United States has been a marginal actor in Latin America, but this could change in the Obama administration's second term.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez took office in 1999 on a populist platform. But three terms into his "socialist revolution," critics say the country increasingly resembles an authoritarian state. This interactive timeline offers a visual account of Chavez's rise to power and the impact of his presidency.

The victory of President Hugo Chávez raises questions about the country's future trajectory. Expert Jennifer McCoy details the post-election political landscape.

In Venezuela's upcoming elections, President Hugo Chavez—suffering from poor health—faces his strongest challenger yet. Former ambassador Patrick D. Duddy argues that the United States should prepare for political unrest.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney gave this statement on July 11, 2012 regarding President Obama's comments on Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney gave this statement on July 5, 2012, on the 201st anniversary of Venezuela's independence.

Joel D. Hirst says the strength of Venezuela's opposition is increasing through greater unity ahead of the battle to remove Chavez in 2012.

Joel D. Hirst discusses the results of a recent referendum in Ecuador and the rise of anti-institutionalism in the Bolivarian Alliance countries.

Joel D. Hirst argues that if elected as president, Ollanta Humala will likely have Peru follow the path of Venezuela.

Joel Hirst says that the United States cannot allow Hugo Chávez to use social movements, such as the Bolivarian Alliance of the Americas, to facilitate the interaction of terrorist organizations.

Joel D. Hirst says the Obama administration must move with urgency to secure the extradition of Walid Makled García "el Turco" from Colombia to the United States.

Joel D. Hirst discusses the hunger strike by nine Venezuelan students and their demand for action by the Organization of American States (OAS) on the state of democracy in Venezuela.

Joel D. Hirst says an opportunity exists for the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS) to address Venezuela's faltering democracy.

Joel D. Hirst discusses how the Bolivarian Alliance of the Americas (ALBA) has taken shape in the six years since its creation.

Joel D. Hirst discusses Hugo Chavez's attacks against Globovision, the only independent television news station left in Venezuel.

Joel D. Hirst says the decision by Colombia to send drug kingpin Walid Makled to Venezuala and not the United States is a mistake, but one that can be corrected.

Joel D. Hirst discusses recent arrest of Venezuelan drug lord Walid Makled, and the implications of his extradition from Columbia to the United States.