The Chavez Phenomenon

¶ … Chavez government and the present state of Venezuelan society and its recent history. One of the predominant aspects gleaned from the articles are the different views and a general ambivalence and uncertainty as to the actual and practical impact of the Chavez government on the country. There are also varied views relating to the 'Chavez phenomenon' and the impact of his leadership on the future development of the country. All of the articles provide, to a greater or lesser degree, assessments of Chavez's ascent to power and the underlying reasons for this phenomenon in Venezuelan history.

The first article by Christian Parenti, titled Hugo Chavez and Petro Populism, presents a very well balanced and intriguing insight into the populist appeal of Chavez as a central factor in his rise to power. The article also provides some incisive views as to the prospects of the Chavez government in both economics, education and in social terms. This can be ascertained by the view that a central part of Chavez's appeal lies in his political philosophy of a "revolution within a revolution" and his emphasis on "transcending capitalism." (Parenti C. 2005. p.16) These aspects emphasize his anti-colonial stance. But what stands out in the article is his popular appeal through the upliftment of the poorest of the country with the wealth achieved from the income from oil. Billions have been spent on various social programs which has resulted in " ... 1.3 million people have learnt to read, millions have received medical care and an estimated ... 40% of the population now shop at subsidized, government-owned supermarkets." (ibid). There have also been subsequent increases in the number of people receiving education.

However the article also clearly points out the negative aspects of the Chavez government and that a favorable view of the government's policies is largely dependent on the strength of a high oil price; leading to the view that the situation could change radically if this should drop. This is a point that is repeated in the other articles as well.

Throughout the article the positive aspects of the new social and political order that Chavez has introduced are carefully analyzed and compared against the possible negative effects and various critical views. For example, the article also states that Chavez is aware of the "chimera" of oil as the only element of the economy and has embarked in various projects by "Investing in physical infrastructure, heath and education will open new, nonpetroleum industries ... " (ibid).

In Venezuea's Hugo Chavez: Savior to Threat to Democracy? By Cameron and Major, the themes discussed in the above article are taken to greater depths with various critical views of Chavez and his rise to power. The article begins by pointing out that the present flaws in the Venezuelan democracy " ... seemed innocuous in comparison with the brutality of the repressive regimes that emerged in Latin America in the two decades following the Cuban revolution. " ( Cameron M.A. And Major F. 2001, p 255 ) The article also explains that the rise to power of Chavez and how the abortive coup against President Perez in 1992 made Chavez into a popular public figure and leader due to his stand against past endemic corruption. The article paints a concise picture of aspects that contributed to the ascent to power by Chavez - particularly the public rage that emerged after the oil boom in the riots of 1989 and the general opinion that the elite had stolen the countries wealth. This was to open the way for Chavez and his eventual election as president. Chavez was to " ... cast himself as an advocator of real change" ( ibid )

The article clearly outlines the way the reaction to previous corrupt governments paved the way for a new populist view which championed a significant movement away from the past failures in Venezuela. This was to result in a 72% victory for the new government. Chavez also called for "mega-elections" which were intended to ' relegitimate' his government'. (Cameron M.A. And Major F. 2001, p 256)

The crux of the article focuses on an analysis of the success or otherwise of Chavez's government. The views of various critics are brought to bear on the question of whether Chavez has saved or ruined the foundations the economy. Among the critics of Chavez are those who state that there has been the concentration of too much power in the hands of the President. The critics point to elements of the new constitution under Chavez which are " ... deeply contradictory, even authoritarian." (ibid. p.257) The authors point out that while there are many laudable aspects, such as the section in the constitution on human rights, yet there are many practical flaws in its implementation.

Another criticism is that the unicameral legislature in fact eliminates certain necessary checks and balances. Not least is the criticism that the president is able to issue decrees " ... with the force of law on any subject." ( ibid) Also, the constitution " ... eliminates the clause in the Constitution of 1961 ... which defined the role of the armed forces as apolitical ... " ( ibid)

In effect critics of Chavez in the article refer to certain authoritarian features of the political leadership which do not align themselves with conventional views of democracy. A central criticism of Chavez is that his government has too much power with too few checks and balances -- and with very little effective opposition. Other critics also suggest that the real reason for his rise to power may lie in a " ... A deliberate and secret plot managed by financial elites" .... ( ibid. p258) On the other had there are also many critics who regard Chavez as having saved the countries social structure and economy from ruin.

The Chavez phenomenon: political change in Venezuela is a dense and detailed account of the political process which led to the ascent to power of Chavez and an equally detailed and thorough exposition of his governmental style. The article also points out the numerous problems that face the Chavez regime -- including a possible political polarization of the country. ( Sylvis R.D. And Danopoulos, DP. 2003. P.63)

However, the article essentially provides little that has not already been mentioned in the two articles above, except for further details. What the article does provide is a comprehensive view of the important political background, particularly with regard to the involvement of the Unities States in the years preceding the rise to power of Chavez. It also refers to aspects that are important in understanding of the 'Chavez phenomenon', such as his opposition to the actives of the previous regime and his anti-colonialism,