U.S. observers believe that some Latin American leaders took advantage of the American preoccupation with “The War on Terror”, and campaigned against the traditional hegemony of the United States in the Americas. The result was that several countries in Latin America elected governments with socialist policies and strong anti-American views. These observers confirm that Venezuela, whose vast oil reserves and political activities pose a threat to U.S. interests and overall stability in the region, has taken Cuba´s place as the principal "pariah state" of the Americas. The leadership of Venezuela has consistently placed itself firmly against U.S. policy in the region, and is accused of belligerently interfering with the internal affairs of its neighbors.
Elections in Venezuela
President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has led the charge of anti-Americanism in the region. He originally took power in a coup d’état, but was subsequently elected president. There was a fresh round of local elections in Venezuela this past weekend. These elections were the first since Venezuelans voted against a referendum that would have allowed Chavez to run for a third term. On Sunday, candidates from Hugo Chavez´s party won a firm majority in this test of his influence. However, the opposition obtained some important victories, including the mayor's office in the capital, Caracas, and the governorship of two important states. Analysts believe that Hugo Chavez will need the support of a large foreign power in order to maintain his authority at home and influence over his neighbors. Russia may be that foreign power.
Russian Presence
Recently Russia has arranged for arms to be sold to, and manufactured in, Venezuela. Russia has also promised to help Venezuela build a civilian nuclear reactor, and has set up a $4 billion joint investment fund for that purpose. In return, Venezuela will give Russia access to its natural gas and gold reserves. This year Hugo Chavez said that: “Compared with Russia, we are territorially a small country, but comparing our reserves of oil and gas we are two giants uniting”. This week Russian warships will be in Venezuelan territorial waters for joint military exercises with Venezuela´s armed forces. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will also arrive in Venezuela this week as part of a three-country tour that will take him to Brazil on November 24-26, Venezuela on November 26-27 and to Cuba on November 27.
American Reaction
The U.S. government has dismissed the importance of President Medvedev's visit to Venezuela and the joint military exercises in the Caribbean. Former U.S. National Security Council member Stephen Sestanovich told Reuters that: “The generals and admirals may get a brief, giddy kick out of their Caribbean cruises and bomber patrols but the region doesn't really fit into anybody's definition of Russian strategic priorities…The reality is that their economic position is worsening by the day”. Government analysts also believe that Russia's effort to increase its influence in Latin American may be hurt by falling oil prices and Barack Obama´s electoral victory. Obama could help the United States regain influence lost in the region during the unpopular presidency of George W. Bush. However, all observers agree that only time will tell.
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