About the project
In a global context in which authoritarian governments find increasing support, we see the emergence of different forms of authoritarian capitalism, including in auto-proclaimed socialist countries. In the midst of a deep economic crisis, the Venezuelan economy is undergoing thorough changes. While the crisis is the result of a long-term political and policy failure and economic sanctions, the transition is also encouraged by ad-hoc liberalizing measures to confront it. These measures are creating new economic phenomena, and new inequalities. In this project, we seek to study those from below. The first part of the project has undertaken three case studies: one on the political economy of illegal mining, one of on the phenomenon of import-shows (bodegones), and one on survival strategies among public sector employees. The aim is to work towards an analysis of the form of authoritarian capitalism emerging, who are in control, according to what principles does it operate, and what new conflicts and divisions is it generating.
Objectives
The objective is to contribute to an understanding of the emerging economic system in Venezuela, resulting from the crisis and strategies employed by the government, the private sector and citizens to confront it. Through this, we also seek to contribute to an understanding of the phenomenon of authoritarian capitalism, and ways to democratize it.
Outcomes
Article about the mining sector.
Article about the bodegones
Cooperation
The project is in cooperation with the Centro de Investigación y Formación Obrera (CIFO) (The Center for Labor Research and Training) in Venezuela and the University of New Brunswick, Canada
Duration
2020-2023