Changing Venezuela by Taking Power: The History and Policies of the Chavez Government

by Gregory Wilpert

Since coming to power in 1998, the Chavez government has inspired both fierce internal debate and horror amongst Western governments accustomed to counting on an obeisant regime in the oil-rich state. In this rich and resourceful study, Greg Wilpert exposes the self-serving logic behind much middle-class opposition to Venezuela’s elected leader, and explains the real reason for their alarm. He argues that the Chavez government has instituted one of the world’s most progressive constitutions, but warns that they have yet to overcome the dangerous specters of the country’s past.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2006

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I was fairly skeptical about this book based on my disillusionment with Chavez's cult of personality that I witnessed while living in Venezuela, but read it on a highly regarded recommendation. I was not surprised that Greg Wilpert's (editor of venezuelanalysis.com) view of Chavez's government is rosier than mine, meaning i think he overstates the accomplishments and understates the pitfalls of the regime. What did surprise me, however, was both the depth of information here (covering historical background, a wide range of policy, as well as social and cultural critique) and the well-reasoned and balanced approach taken. Thankfully Wilpert does not shy away from criticizing Chavez and the Venezuelan government for its shortcomings, while also defending them against right-wing attacks.

The book can be a bit dry because of all the policy details, so if you read it feel free to skip around to the sections that appear interesting. My favorites were the section on Internal and External Obstacles, and the Appendix on "21st Century Socialism" which contains an actually really great overview of the problems with capitalism and what passed for socialism in the 19th-20th centuries.

[Shin Furuya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched analysis of Chavez's policies as well as Venezuela. It contributes to correct the current excessively distorted and 'demonized' character of Chavez, and presents 'honest' information with constructive criticisms toward Chavez's initiatives and programs while also presenting various advantages in these policies.



It would be great to combine this book with Eva Golinger, which focuses on how and why we get such a negative reporting and statements regarding Chavez (and Venezuela) from the US mainstream media, the government as well as some notorious NGOs supported by some segments of the US governments by using various dirty methods.

[Soph Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good piece of context for some of the policies and moves made in the early-mid Chávez administration, but also maybe not worth your time unless you really want to explore that period of history as it was written even before the PSUV (the United Socialist Party of Venezuela) was created. Unapologetically pro-Chávez but also goes fairly in depth with the challenges facing the administration at the time, and an excellent appendix on capitalism and socialism even if I disagree with some of the points made.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

A text that reminds me of the European brown noses, say Sartre, when it was about talking about Stalin. Another text glorifying a murderous dictator and looking at the lackluster achievements.

> With regard to the first element, the Chavez government has been able to increase both its oil revenues and its non-oil revenues, except for during the two crisis years.

So the dictator increased the non-oil revenues. How? Well, obviously he was making sport shoes for Nike at night and pimping his military uniform at day. How about the oil revenue? He, in his infinite wisdom, knew who to ask to increase the volume of petrol pumped out for the sake of the generations to come. And he did that so well, unless the price of oil was dropping. And the output was so spectacular he was unable to repay the government debt. But that is a conspiracy from the Reptilian overlords, so it does not count for Wilpert.

[Conor Gilpin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry and academic, but thorough. If you are looking for an in-depth analysis of the changes the Chavez government implemented (or wanted to implement), this is a perfect book. However, no effort is made to make the subject matter more engaging, so it is a bit of a slog.

[jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

can’t stop thinking abt how all computers in venezuela run linux. no war on venezuela!

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilpert provides a very comprehensive and analytical overview of Chavez's policies. Though he is clearly a supporter, he criticizes the more salient contradictions that plague the movement in Venezuela and suggests alternative paths for achieving a truly participatory state. For those interested in Chavez and attempts to institutionalize radical democratic egalitarian policies, this is a must read.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get past the hype of Fox News and examine the actual achievements of Hugo Chavez's Bolivarian Revolution. A sympathetic and informed account based on years spent in Venezuela, Wilpert praises the social achievements of Chavez in reducing poverty, illiteracy, and disease, and condemns the light personality cult around the leader that will make it difficult to sustain the revolution when he is gone.

[Geo · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'm in the middle. i like greg, and there are good things in the book, but the writing is pretty lacking, and the organization is slightly insane. the first chapter is pretty right-on though, historically tracking the dialectic of counter-revolution and radicalization that has defined the process.