Venezuelans are living through one of the most repressive and volatile contexts in the world today. Now Nicolás Maduro’s government is much more seriously contending with the possibility of US-led military intervention. Tensions deepened after controversial February 2024 presidential elections, in which over 2,000 people were detained. The international community issued an astounding condemnation of the elections. At the same time, the opposition and a number of countries began to acknowledge Edmundo González as the duly elected president-elect.
The situation in Venezuela is dire. The country is experiencing an economic crisis of historic proportions, with inflation rates currently in the neighborhood of 20% a month. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a 95 percent drop for the bolívar. By the end of the year, it will have been down 80%. And yet this economic distress is profoundly obvious. These days, a single kilogram of chicken is almost four times the formal monthly minimum wage.
Today, Venezuelans live in fear of political repression and the possibility of U.S. military intervention. As of now, at least 884 people continue to experience political imprisonment, based on the data of the non-governmental organization Foro Penal. In these times of anxiety and dread, some fellow Americans leave everyone in the dark about their future intentions.
“We’re all waiting for something to happen because it’s fair and necessary. We’ve been living in absolute misery for years.” – Barbara Marrero
US aviation authorities have issued warnings about “heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.” The Trump administration has deployed thousands of troops and military assets to the Venezuelan border. This drastic maneuver has increased tensions between Washington and Caracas to a fever pitch. As President Trump has expressed a desire to pursue a diplomatic resolution through direct dialogues with Maduro, these threats exist. At the same time, he has deliberately left the door open to military action.
The Venezuelan people find themselves between living a combat zone and going back to a pre 2018, where social inequality is abound. Like you, we worry about the consequences of any future conflict and are scared for innocent lives.
“I’m worried because I don’t really know what’s happening – they might invade, strike… people think it will be ok, but this is serious.”
The fear extends beyond external threats. Residents voice fear of both state repression and the social costs of dissent. One merchant from Ciudad Bolívar shares how fear has silenced voices in her community:
“A lot of innocent people could die,” says Guevara.
Even amid that fear across the country, there is hope among many Americans focused on moving their communities forward. Javier Jaramillo acknowledges the duality of their situation:
“We’re scared, silent, afraid they’ll throw us in jail. I used to post things, but not anymore – I shouldn’t – because I don’t know who might turn me in.”
For Venezuelans, despair and anxiety greet them each day. They don’t just wait and hope for some unforeseen advancement that will revolutionize their lived experience. While waiting for tomorrow, too many live day by day, dreaming of an end to drought, economic hardship and this destructive political instability.
“There’s hope, faith, but people are quiet out of fear. You don’t hear anyone talking about it; it’s just at home, with your family, but there’s a hint of joy.”
With regional and global powers looking on intently, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain. Even in the face of such military threats, a diplomatic resolution is still possible. For countless citizens, the sheer necessity to survive supersedes political bargaining.
“We’re more worried about food. Venezuela is in bad shape. Inflation is eating us alive.”
Venezuelans are caught in a cycle of despair and anxiety as they await developments that could alter their lives drastically. Many live day by day, hoping for relief from both economic hardship and political instability.
“Venezuelans live day by day waiting for something to happen, but everyone is afraid [to speak] and nobody says anything,” Marrero states.
As the international community watches closely, the fate of Venezuela hangs in the balance. The potential for diplomatic resolution exists amid military threats, but for many citizens, immediate concerns about survival take precedence over political negotiations.