The perpetual struggle to overcome dependency : Venezuela's innovative approach to integration, foreign policy and political ideology

Abstract

This thesis explores the effect of dependency and modernization on Venezuela's Foreign Policy and Ideology. The abundance of natural resources in Venezuela resulted in the development of dependency amongst hegemonic economies and this country. Once exposed to a developed country, Venezuela subject to the modernization process. This led to a culture shift from traditional to modern. Individuals began to change their attitudes towards their needs. Venezuelans formed social movements generating new ideals in order to achieve change in the political, social and economic structure of the country. These circumstances exercised pressure in weak political institutions, which led to political instability. Massive support towards the election of Hugo Chavez as president of Venezuela emerged. Nationally, the Chavez administration instituted structural changes aiming to recover political, social and economic sovereign control of Venezuela. These changes encompassed an array of social reforms including the nationalization of private firms and the establishment of welfare policies. In the international arena, Chavez developed integration through regional and global alliances, the utilization of economic enticements and the ideology of "Socialism of the Twenty First Century" in order to strengthen the status quo of Venezuela against hegemonic control. Bolivia and Ecuador, two leftist neopopulist countries in the Bolivarian region, followed the path previously established by Venezuela. The similarities amongst these three countries are abundant. These three countries have been heavily influenced by dependency and modernization. Hegemonic economies are forced to gain control of dependent countries in order to maintain their status quo in the international arena. The international arena is an anarchic setting where states must operate in support of their best interests without any moral restrain.