Lessons and Legacy of Venezuela's Bolivarian Revolution - Feat. Gregory Wilpert

It has been 26 years since Hugo Chávez first assumed the presidency of Venezuela in 1999. Since then, Venezuela has gone through enormous ups and downs, and mostly downs since Nicolas Maduro took over from Chavez following his death in 2013. Given Venezuela's current challenging situation, what lessons can be drawn from the Bolivarian Revolution for future revolutionary projects? And what is the meaning of the Bolivarian project in the larger context of Latin American politics in the 21st century more generally? What do these lessons mean for socialist organizing and activism today?

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is honoured to be hosting Gregory Wilpert, author and longtime journalist covering Venezuela, for a special talk and discussion to explore these questions and more. 

Please stick around after Gregory’s talk for complimentary refreshments and to continue the discussion! 

Gregory Wilpert is a German-American sociologist and journalist who has covered Latin America extensively for a wide variety of publications. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology (Brandeis University, 1994) and is the author of the book Changing Venezuela by Taking Power: The History and Policies of the Chávez Government (Verso Books, 2007). He is co-founder of the website Venezuelanalysis.com, was director of the teleSUR English website, and was host and managing editor for The Real News Network for five years (2016-2020). His forthcoming book project (in 2026, with Bloomsbury) is titled "Consciousness for the Post-Capitalist Commons".

This event is being organized by the Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education and the Socialist Project.

Accessibility

Friends House is accessible to wheelchairs via the automatic door at the back, north east entrance off of the parking lot, and via the automatic door at the Meeting Room entrance at the front on the west side of the house, from Lowther Ave. We kindly ask all participants to refrain from wearing scents or perfumes. Further venue accessibility information can be found here.

Any questions regarding accessibility, participation, or programming can be directed to info@leopanitchschool.ca.