The Conflict

In 1998 Venezuela elected an officer of the military, Hugo Chávez Frías, president. During his campaign, Chávez promised the poor more economic equity and greater security and order. His election revived a tradition of military populism in Latin America.

Economic

• Economic tensions encourage support of strong leadership, in this case, the military.

Political

• The military, through its strong presence, discourages free election.
• Chávez made promises to the poor in order to be elected—promises on which he could never deliver. He played on the poor people's fears in order to win the vote.

On December 6, 1998, former paratrooper Hugo Chávez Frías was elected president of Venezuela with a decisive majority of the popular vote. This resounding support, however, masked some serious concerns. Chávez had come to...