A Country in Crisis: Venezuela’s Stolen Election with Ambassador Charles Shapiro

The Venezuelan presidential election took place on July 28th of this year. The results have been contentious with both the current president Nicolás Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia claiming democratic victory. To worsen matters, on the 6th of August, the state of Venezuela launched a criminal probe into both presidential candidate Gonzalez, as well as opposition party leader Maria Corina Machado. Ambassador Charles Shapiro will explore the recent election in Venezuela, analyzing its implications for the nation’s future amidst a backdrop of economic turmoil and political instability.

The talk will delve into the election’s controversial results, the reactions from both domestic and international actors, and the subsequent uprisings that have swept across the country. Can the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) led by President Nicolás Maduro fend off the opposition coalition led by Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia? Ambassador Shapiro will offer insights into the potential paths forward for Venezuela, considering both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as the country grapples with its deepening crisis.

With millions of Venezuelans taking to the streets in protest, and the country’s wider political landscape a mystery, there is no better time for Ambassador (Ret.) Shapiro to grace us with his presence to give his thoughts on both the election, and what the future may hold for such a wonderful country. Please join us for a meal as we unpack this topical issue. 

Complimentary valet parking is available.

Ambassador (Ret.) Charles Shapiro

Ambassador (ret.) Charles Shapiro is a senior advisor at The Pendleton Group and co-founder of Art of Diplomacy Travel. At the U.S. Department of State, Shapiro held a number of senior positions including Ambassador to Venezuela, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, and Director of Cuban Affairs.  In 2011, he became president of the Institute of the Americas at the University of California San Diego and in 2014 moved to the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.

While at the World Affairs Council, he taught international business at the Robinson College of Business at GSU. Shapiro’s op-eds have been published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Global Atlanta, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the Miami Herald, the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Los Angeles Times.