The United States is among the Western nations who issue huge amounts in financial aid to developing countries. The impact that this aid has cannot be overstated. Thanks to the aid, the countries are able to develop their infrastructure, feed their people, deliver essential services and build institutions. However, it appears that the aid fails to address the root causes of the problems that the developing countries face. For example, despite years of aid from the US and other countries, most African countries are still defined in terms of starvation, civil conflict and poor economies. The clear failure of direct financial aid calls for its re-evaluation. Working with its partners, the US needs to adopt more effective approaches to boosting development in developing countries. While all developing countries should be the subject of development efforts, Latin America should receive special focus.
The Starting Point
Latin America has made encouraging progress in development. However, there are numerous countries which have failed to meet the expectations that many had. Venezuela is among these countries. Under the leadership of President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela has grappled with one crisis after another. For example, the country recently held Presidential elections which were boycotted by the opposition. The opposition contended that these elections lacked credibility and the body conducting the elections was not truly independent. In addition to this political crisis, Venezuela also faces biting food shortages and run-away inflation. Many Venezuelans are forced to travel to neighboring countries to purchase basic supplies. Unless urgent action is taken, Venezuela will continue to endure these challenges. In a report on the economic future of Latin America, Ines Bustillo projected that in 2018, Venezuela’s GDP would shrink by 5.5%. This decline in productivity shows that Venezuela is in deep trouble and that international intervention aimed at institution building is direly needed. To solve the issues that Venezuela faces, focus should be given to building institutions. In the following discussion, the need for stronger institutions in Venezuela is explored in greater detail.
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In his article, Richard Miles gave special focus to the situation in Venezuela. He referred to the country’s economic crisis and the failure to conduct credible elections. The issues that Venezuela is confronted with underscore the need for strong institutions. These institutions include bodies that are charged with the mandate of conducting elections, anti-corruption agencies and civil rights groups. Miles notes that despite pressure from opposition groups, Maduro vowed that he would not give up power. Maduro’s strong grip on power is a clear indication of weak institutions. A nation whose institutions possess true authority is able to ensure that all individuals comply with the law. The fact that Maduro called for a shambolic election whose result was predetermined and in which the opposition refused to participate suggest that Venezuela is in desperate need of institutional reform. The reform should focus on enhancing the independence of the electoral commission and civil society groups.
That its electoral commission is compromised is not the only issue that Venezuela faces. The country also grapples with high levels of corruption. According to Miles, corruption extends to nearly all sections of Venezuelan society. The problem of corruption has seen the Venezuelan people lose confidence in the government and its institutions. A meager 40% turnout was witnessed during the election described above. This low turnout is clear evidence that the Venezuelan people have lost faith in the country’s electoral processes and government. It is nearly impossible for a government to implement development initiatives without the full support of its people. Therefore, if Venezuela is to record growth, focus should be given to institution building.
The discussion above has examined issues that are rather theoretical and abstract. To clearly understand why institution building holds the key to promoting development in Venezuela, it is important to consider examples of nations which have achieved growth thanks to investments in institutions. Colombia is one of these countries. Adam Isacson who serves as the Director for Defense Oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America prepared a report in which he tracks U.S. aid to Colombia. He notes that in the past, the US allocated a bulk of the aid to enhancing the capacity of the military and the police. In the past few years, a majority of the aid has been committed to building institutions and developing the economy of Colombia. The progress that Colombia witnessed following the change in US aid policy shows that when greater investment is committed to institution building, development follows. In addition to enhanced economic progress, Colombia has also witnessed an encouraging decline in deaths, homicides, kidnappings and internal displacement. Venezuela should adopt the model of Colombia; its international partners need to help it to develop its institutions.
Ensuring Effectiveness of Approach
The discussion above has provided a rationale for prioritizing institution building in Venezuela. Now that it is clear that by building its institutions Venezuela will be poised for development, focus should be shifted to the measures that will be instituted to ensure that the recommended approach is effective. Securing the full support of local stakeholders is among the measures that will ensure the effectiveness of the approach. The issues that Venezuela faces are complex and multi-faceted. For example, the lack of electoral credibility and independence is an issue that concerns the opposition, the ruling party, and the people of Venezuela. For the country to grow its institutions, all these stakeholders must be involved in the process. It is particularly important to ensure the close and intimate involvement of the opposition. The Maduro government has sidelined the opposition in most of its policies. For example, his government constituted an assembly made up of loyalists. This assembly was designed to counter the influence of the opposition which enjoys a majority in parliament. No initiative can deliver sustainable success unless the opposition is consulted and deeply involved in the implementation of the initiative.
The discussion above has presented a multi-stakeholder approach as the best way to build Venezuela’s institutions. There are numerous benefits that this approach will deliver. One, through this approach, Venezuela’s partners will be able to leverage local support. The people of Venezuela understand their situation best. They know the approaches that can work and those which are doomed to fail. Two, involving the local stakeholders will help to secure support for the initiative. Local communities tend to resent foreign interventions in their affairs. If the US and other countries which wish to see Venezuela grow are to be successful, they must involve the local stakeholders at each step.
Venezuela is too weak to be expected to build its institution without the support of its partners. It is unfortunate that this country no longer enjoys cordial relations with its neighbors. Recently, the Organization of American States (OAS) has adopted a tougher stance against Venezuela. This organization feels that Venezuela is violating the principles and guidelines that it (OAS) represents. Given that it brings together Venezuela’s neighbors, the involvement of OAS is among the measures needed to strengthen Venezuela’s institution. This organization needs to pile pressure on the government of Venezuela to respect the independence of the judiciary, the electoral commission and other institutions.
Principal Inputs and Resources
Institution building is a resource-intensive process. Venezuela’s partners should be prepared to support the country financially. Currently, the government of Venezuela funds such agencies as the electoral commission. The fact that it relies on the government for financing compromises the independence of this commission. As part of institution building, focus should be committed to ensuring that the electoral commission receives funding from the treasury directly. This will go a long way in enhancing the integrity and independence of the commission. The financial support from partners will also be critical for funding the operations of civil society groups. These groups are needed to hold the government accountable. Without adequate funding, these groups are unable to execute their mandate as expected.
While it is true that financial support is needed for institution building, on its own, it cannot develop strong and independent institutions. Local support and confidence are other resources which are required for institution building. The people of Venezuela need to trust that the country’s institutions are solid and independent. Without the trust of the public, these institutions will struggle to achieve credibility. For example, unless the Venezuelan people’s faith in the electoral commission is renewed, turnout will continue to be disappointingly low. Overall, financial support and public confidence are the critical resources that hold the key to institution building in Venezuela. The country’s neighbors and partners should collaborate and ensure that adequate funding is available. More importantly, the Venezuelan people should be persuaded that if the country’s institutions are to become stronger and execute their mandate faithfully, their support, trust and confidence is required.
Constituencies Requiring Buy-In
Resistance and lack of support are among the hurdles that hamper the implementation of reform. As Venezuela’s partners work to build the country’s institutions, it should be expected that there are some parties who will be reluctant to support this initiative. These parties will need to be convinced that by investing in Venezuela’s institutions, they are securing the country’s future. The United States is among the parties that will require buy-in. Recently, U.S. President announced additional economic sanctions on Venezuela. These sanctions are a punishment for the gross abuses and violations that the Venezuelan government commits. It is fair to argue that the sanctions represent the declining faith of the U.S. in the government of Venezuela. It is unlikely that the U.S. government will support any initiative which involves the government of Nicolas Maduro. Therefore, efforts should be committed to convincing the Trump administration that its support is needed to build Venezuela’s institutions. Given that the US has historically supported other nations in their quest to build strong institutions, it can be expected that the Trump government will fully support Venezuela’s bid to strengthen its institutions. For example, in an earlier discussion, it was stated that Colombia is among the countries whose institutions have become stronger thanks, at least in part, to US support.
The Trump government is not the only party that will need to be persuaded to support the initiative. The Maduro government is also likely to be reluctant to embrace this initiative. The primary purpose of the initiative is to imbue Venezuela’s parliament, judiciary, civil society, and electoral commission with the authority and independence they need to promote democracy and secure the country’s future. This purpose runs counter to Maduro’s desire to remain in power. To ensure that Maduro supports the initiative, the institution building should be aimed exclusively at enhancing Venezuela’s democratic and civic engagement processes. Those implementing the initiative should assure Maduro that the initiative only seeks to prepare Venezuela for a democratic transfer of power following peaceful and credible elections. Assuming that Maduro is a reasonable leader whose primary desire is to witness Venezuela’s growth, one should expect that he will fully back the initiative. One might argue that instead of simply building Venezuela’s institutions, the international community should also seek to oust Maduro. While this approach could restore democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela, the international community could trigger instability in the country. There are numerous countries which have become unstable hotbeds of military insurgency as a result of the overthrow of their leaders. For example, following the ousting of Muamar Gaddafi, Libya has turned into a landless country ruled by parallel governments, people smugglers and terrorist organizations. To ensure that Libya’s situation is not replicated in Venezuela, Maduro and his government should be part of the institution building initiative.
Interventionist policies tend to meet strong opposition from local communities. While a majority of the people of Venezuela will be excited about the institution building initiatives, there are some who will be reluctant. For example, Maduro enjoys strong support among many Venezuelans. These individuals are likely to view the initiative with suspicion. They could be convinced that the initiative represent foreign intervention and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. It will be important to remind these individuals of the transformation that Venezuela will undergo upon the successful strengthening of its institutions.
What Success looks like
That Venezuela is in dire need of reform is not in question. It is important for the country to collaborate with the international community for the purpose of enhancing its institutions. One might wonder how the world will know that Venezuela has been successful in transforming its institutions into effective drivers of change and promoters of democracy. Positive feedback from the Venezuelan people could offer indications of the success of the initiative. If the people express satisfaction with how the institutions perform their mandate, it can be concluded that the institution building effort has yielded success. Presenting themselves in large numbers at polling booths during elections is among the messages that the people could convey their satisfaction with the implemented reforms. High turnout will indicate that the electoral commission has regained its credibility and independence.
An improvement in Venezuela’s human rights record, robust economic growth and friendlier relations with its neighbors are other indications of the success of the institution building program. Currently, Venezuela’s government violates the rights of its people routinely. The country’s economy is in ruins and its relationship with its neighbors and the wider international community has deteriorated. By investing in its institutions, Venezuela will be able to address these issues. For example, a stronger civil society and judiciary will pressure the government to respect the rights of the people. Moreover, the country’s economy will grow at an accelerated pace since peace, justice and order are among the factors that should be in place for economic progress to be witnessed. Venezuela will also repair its relationship with its neighbors. The relationship with such countries as those that are members of the OAS is strained. The OAS wishes to see Venezuela’s democratic processes and structures restored. Strengthening the institutions will leave the OAS and the global community satisfied that Venezuela is truly committed to democracy and human rights.
In conclusion, it is encouraging that more and more countries are embracing democracy. However, this trend is not being witnessed in all parts of the world. Such countries as Venezuela are eroding the progress that the globe has made in the promotion of democratic governance and respect for human rights. Under the leadership of President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela has witnessed economic decline, flagrant violations of human rights and failure to conduct credible elections. Institution building is the most effective approach to solving these challenges. The US should partner with other countries to support Venezuela as it strives to establish stronger institutions. Institution building will restore democracy in the country while pressuring the government to respect the rights of its people.
