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Venezuela Crippled by Oil Dependence and Authoritarianism

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. pled-by-oil-dependence-and-authoritarianism.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 2:07 GMT by KHQ

SPOKANE, Wash. - January 8th, 2026 - As the global landscape continues to evolve, two seemingly disparate regions - Venezuela and Greenland - are attracting increased scrutiny. Dr. Steven Beda, a political science professor at the University of Idaho, recently discussed the complex challenges facing both locations, offering insights into the political, economic, and strategic factors at play.

Venezuela: A Nation Crippled by Dependence and Authoritarianism

Venezuela has been mired in a prolonged period of political and economic crisis, a situation Dr. Beda attributes to a deeply flawed economic model and increasingly authoritarian governance. The nation's historical reliance on oil revenue, while initially beneficial, created a system vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets. "For decades, Venezuela built its economy around almost exclusive dependence on oil," Dr. Beda explained in a recent interview. "This created a structural weakness. When global oil prices declined, the country was unable to adapt and diversify its revenue streams."

This economic vulnerability was then compounded by a decline in democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian rule. "Strong democratic institutions act as a buffer against economic shocks," Dr. Beda noted. "They allow for peaceful transitions of power, accountability, and the implementation of policies that address economic challenges. In Venezuela, these institutions were eroded, leaving the country unable to effectively respond to the crisis." The lack of robust checks and balances, combined with concentrated power, exacerbated the economic downturn and led to widespread social unrest.

International intervention has been limited, despite the severity of the humanitarian crisis. Dr. Beda points to a reluctance among neighboring nations and global organizations to intervene, citing fears of escalating instability and potential geopolitical ramifications. "There's a delicate balance to strike," he said. "Intervention could worsen the situation, potentially leading to a civil war or further regional disruption. The international community is hesitant to take action without a clear path to a sustainable solution." Current analysis suggests that a multifaceted approach - including humanitarian aid, diplomatic pressure, and support for democratic reforms - would be necessary, though achieving consensus on such a strategy remains elusive.

Greenland: A Strategic Prize in a Changing Arctic

Shifting the focus northward, Dr. Beda highlighted the growing strategic importance of Greenland, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing Arctic. Climate change is dramatically altering the Arctic landscape, melting glaciers and opening up new shipping routes, making Greenland a focal point for international interest. "The Arctic is becoming increasingly accessible, and Greenland's location is key," Dr. Beda stated. "This is drawing attention from major global powers."

Greenland's desire for greater self-determination adds another layer of complexity. Currently an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is seeking increased control over its own affairs, including resource management and foreign policy. However, this aspiration for independence is complicated by external pressures from countries vying for influence in the region.

The United States, traditionally a close ally of Denmark, has a particular interest in Greenland due to its strategic location, which offers potential military and surveillance advantages. China, meanwhile, is primarily focused on Greenland's rich natural resources, including rare earth minerals critical for technological advancements. "China's interest is largely economic," Dr. Beda clarified. "They see Greenland as a potential source of resources that can fuel their economic growth."

The combination of climate change, strategic location, and natural resources creates a complex geopolitical dynamic in Greenland. Navigating these challenges requires a delicate approach that respects Greenland's sovereignty while addressing the legitimate security and economic interests of other nations. The future of Greenland will likely depend on its ability to balance these competing pressures and forge a path towards sustainable development and self-determination.