Across Latin America, political battles and social movements are reshaping the region - but how much of that story are we hearing?

We're delighted to be joining forces with Crispin Flintoff of The Crispin Flintoff Show to launch a new series looking at the struggles for power, political change and popular movements shaping Latin America today.

We’ll go beyond the headlines to explore stories that are too often ignored or simplified.

The series will bring together expert guests, film, music and audience discussion. You don’t need any prior knowledge of Latin American politics. We want to make these big questions accessible, lively and open to everyone.

Episode 2 - Venezuela and Washington: What’s Going On?

In early January 2026 the US government of Donald Trump bombed Venezuela and kidnapped the country's president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, to a prison in the US. Since then, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has brought the country closer to the US. In August this year the Rodríguez government announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel at the consular level, ending a 17-year break since former left-wing president Hugo Chávez broke off ties in January 2009.

Maduro, a key Chávez ally, became president following Chávez’s death in 2013, and was seen as a vocal opponent of the US’ agenda in Latin America and beyond. Amidst the tensions following Maduro’s overthrow, two earthquakes struck Venezuela in late June, devastating the country. As of October, officials reported 6,509 people confirmed dead; up to 50,000 people are estimated to remain unaccounted for.

Join us to hear experts offer their take on what the Venezuelan government’s new relationship with Trump’s Washington means for the future of the country? How does Venezuela now position itself amongst the right-wing wave of governments that have come to power across Latin America? How will the result of Brazil’s crucial presidential elections affect Venezuela? And has Hugo Chávez’s Bolivarian socialism (Chavismo) been betrayed or is Delcy Rodriguez playing the best hand possible given the violence and barbarity of US imperialism?

There will be plenty of time for audience questions and comments.

👤👤👤SPEAKERS:

Nancy Carolina Graterol – Venezuelan documentary filmmaker and journalist

Ricardo Vaz – Lead Editor, Venezuelanalysis

Rodrigo Acuña – Journalist and documentary filmmaker

> More speakers will be announced soon.

The event runs from 6.30pm to 8pm BST (UK time) but the waiting room will be open from 6.15pm. A Latin America music playlist will be played between 6.15pm and 6.30pm.

TICKETS: Free, £4, £9 (Super Supporter)

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