Containing Venezuela's Hugo Chavez: United States Foreign Policy Options

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is an enigma to the United States Government USG and his domestic and foreign policy objectives have increased regional tensions. Domestically, President Chavez is building sizeable military capabilities and he recently announced his intent for Venezuela to obtain nuclear energy. In foreign policy, President Chavez manipulates neighboring states through soft and social power programs and he maintains close ties with states antagonistic to the U.S. While distracted by other conflicts, the USG is not paying adequate attention or is down-playing the significance of the Chavez-led Government. This monograph advocates USG policies to marginalize and contain Chavez regional influence deter external state actors from supporting his government and weaken his domestic standing. The USG is postured to accomplish these policy objectives through coordination with Russia and other South American states and through the direct application of economic and information instruments of national power.