I. Introduction: A Nation in Crisis
Venezuela, once one of Latin America’s wealthiest nations, has descended into political and economic turmoil under authoritarian rule. Successive governments, particularly under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, have eroded democratic institutions, silenced dissent, and concentrated power in the executive branch. This authoritarian consolidation, combined with corruption and mismanagement, has created one of the world’s largest migration crises, with millions of Venezuelans fleeing in search of safety and survival.

II. Historical Context of Authoritarianism
The seeds of Venezuela’s authoritarian rule were sown during the presidency of Hugo Chávez, who came to power in 1999 promising social reform. While initially popular, Chávez concentrated power in the executive, undermining checks and balances. Following his death, Nicolás Maduro inherited the system, further entrenching authoritarianism through manipulation of elections, suppression of opposition, and control over key institutions.

III. Erosion of Democratic Institutions
Under Maduro, Venezuela’s National Assembly was stripped of its powers, with authority shifted to a pro-government Constituent Assembly. The judiciary is controlled by the executive, and the electoral system is manipulated to secure victories for the ruling party. Opposition candidates are routinely barred, arrested, or forced into exile, leaving citizens with little faith in democracy.

IV. Suppression of Opposition and Civil Society
Political opposition in Venezuela faces severe repression. Leaders are jailed, intimidated, or barred from running for office, while opposition parties are outlawed or fragmented by government pressure. Civil society organisations and human rights defenders are harassed and accused of conspiring with foreign powers, shrinking civic space to near non-existence.

V. Human Rights Violations
Security forces are implicated in widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Protests are violently suppressed, with
demonstrators facing live ammunition, beatings, and mass arrests. Such violations reinforce the climate of fear and force many into exile.

VI. Economic Collapse and Mismanagement
Authoritarian governance has also driven Venezuela’s economic collapse. Once dependent on oil wealth, the country’s economy has been devastated by corruption, mismanagement, and international sanctions. Hyperinflation, food shortages, and crumbling infrastructure have left millions unable to meet basic needs.

VII. Humanitarian Emergency
The collapse of healthcare and public services has created a humanitarian crisis. Hospitals lack medicine, power cuts are frequent, and access to clean water is limited. Malnutrition rates have soared, while preventable diseases have re-emerged. This humanitarian breakdown has compounded the exodus of Venezuelans.

VIII. Mass Migration and Regional Impact
Venezuela’s authoritarian crisis has driven more than 7 million people to flee since 2014, making it one of the largest displacement crises in the world. Neighbouring countries such as Colombia, Brazil, and Peru have absorbed the majority, straining their resources and testing regional solidarity. The exodus has reshaped demographics and labour markets across South America.

IX. The Role of Corruption
Corruption is central to Venezuela’s authoritarian rule. The ruling elite enrich themselves through control of oil revenues and state contracts, while ordinary citizens endure poverty and deprivation. This elite capture reinforces authoritarianism and fuels disillusionment.

X. International Response
The international community remains divided on Venezuela. While many Western nations refuse to recognise Maduro’s presidency, others, including Russia and China, support his government. Humanitarian aid has been politicised, with delivery obstructed by state forces, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer.

XI. Resilience of Diaspora Communities
Despite hardship, Venezuelan diaspora communities have shown resilience. Abroad, they form support networks, send remittances to families, and engage in political activism. Their presence also highlights the human toll of authoritarianism and the strength of those forced to rebuild their lives elsewhere.

XII. Conclusion: Exile as the Only Freedom
Authoritarian rule in Venezuela has destroyed democracy, collapsed the economy, and unleashed a humanitarian emergency. With political opposition silenced and citizens denied basic rights, mass migration has become the only path to safety and dignity. Until democratic reforms are restored, Venezuela’s exodus will remain one of the defining humanitarian crises of the 21st century