A row over landing rights threatens to further strain U.S. relations with Venezuela. The dispute comes at a time when diplomacy with South America is already fraught with tension.

Secretary Rice and U.S. public diplomacy chief Karen Hughes travel to South America this week for the inauguration of Chile's first woman president, Michelle Bachelet. The trip could signal a new focus on South America, at a time when a growing number of leftist governments in the region pose questions for U.S. policies there.

Julia E. Sweig argues that Hugo Chavez never fulfilled his more ambitious plans for the region, but the polarizing Venezuelan leader can take at least partial credit for helping redefine South America's institutional architecture.

Joel D. Hirst explains the Bolivarian Alternative to the Americas (ALBA).

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

Listen to Wesleyan professor Francisco R. Rodriguez discuss the economic policies of Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez with students as part of the CFR Academic Conference Call Series.

Longtime Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez's fourth term as president allows for the continuation of his "socialist revolution," but questions over his health remain a wildcard in assessing Venezuela's future.

Venezuela is trying to develop new markets for its oil at a time of increasing friction with its main customer, the United States. But a significant short-term shift in oil relations between Venezuela and the United States is unlikely.

In a recent world tour—stops included Belarus, Russia, and Iran—Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez attempted to expand his influence beyond Latin America and capitalize on the leverage afforded by his oil riches.

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.

With polls showing Chávez strongly in the lead in the December 3, 2006, Venezuelan presidential election, the United States needs to prepare for another six-year term with the controversial leader. This report proposes a new strategic framework for U.S. policy toward Venezuela. This report is also available in Spanish.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is pushing through a series of laws that will effectively quell legal means to opposition, a move that Washington must challenge, says CFR's Joel Hirst.

Venezuela's stepped-up efforts to develop nuclear power and tighten its bonds with Iran require a firm but deft diplomatic response from the Obama administration, write CFR's Joel Hirst and Jonathan Pearl.

Yesterday's National Assembly elections in Venezuela curtailed President Chávez's powers and opened the door to greater cooperation with the United States, says CFR's Joel Hirst.

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.

Venezuela's National Assembly elections this weekend are a referendum on President Hugo Chávez and a "proxy" for the 2012 presidential elections, says expert Michael McCarthy. They could also bolster opposition movements in countries like Bolivia and Ecuador.

Allan Brewer-Carias, a former Venezuelan legislator and opponent of President Hugo Chavez, says the referendum that overturned term limits on Chavez will strengthen the country's authoritarian strain but also signaled disapproval of Chavez's government.