Leiden University Student Repository

Haupert, Pit (2024)

The US as the enemy of the Venezuelan people? Perceived threats abroad converted into support at home.

Bachelor thesis | Politicologie (BSc)

This thesis investigates how Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro employs the populist strategy of external othering to consolidate his power. By analysing transcriptions of Maduro's speeches, the research identifies patterns in his rhetoric, focusing on how he portrays external threats, particularly from the United States, as key adversaries to Venezuelan interests. The strategy of external othering unites the population against a common enemy, justifying Maduro’s consolidation of power. The study employs qualitative content analysis, categorising threats and proposed solutions to demonstrate how Maduro's discourse shifts blame for internal issues to external actors. The findings reveal that Maduro's rhetoric consistently frames the U.S. as an imperialist threat, using this narrative to legitimise his autocratic governance and rally domestic support. The thesis highlights the strategic use of populism in maintaining Maduro's regime despite internal challenges and declining popularity.

populism, Venezuela, Maduro, foreign policy, United States, external other

Author

Haupert, Pit

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

International Relations and Organisations

Supervisors

Wetering, C. Van de.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en