Accession Number:

AD1069647

Title:

Venezuela: Illuminating a Vulnerable State

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

Naval Postgraduate School Monterey United States

Personal Author(s):

• Lally,Warren R
• Owen,Jeffrey S

Report Date:

2018-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

101.0

Abstract:

Academics, journalists, and researchers have conducted extensive qualitative research on the causality of the socialist-leftist movement in Venezuela however, little quantitative research has been conducted on how and why opposition reform efforts have been largely ineffective. By using exploratory methods in the fields of social network analysis, social movement theory, and statistical analysis, this work develops an alternative quantitative model and applies it to traditional qualitative methods of analysis in these fields. Using temporal social network analysis, this thesis illuminates changes in the relationships of political parties, alliances, and ideology during the Chvez-Maduro era. Additionally, using temporal protest data and key events, it analyses the ebb and flow of social movements in relation to political opportunity. Finally, it analyzes the effects of the countrys destabilization factors and oppositions protests on voting patterns at the municipal level to determine if social movements in Venezuela are affecting opposition reform efforts. This thesis contributes to the ongoing research on the destabilization in the region and supports the formulation of a strategy in the SOCSOUTH Area of Responsibility.

Descriptors:

• Venezuela
• Government (foreign)
• social networks
• PROTEST MOVEMENTS
• political parties
• ELECTIONS
• statistical analysis
• history

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE