The best books on Venezuela, recommended by Julia Buxton
In early January 2026 US forces arrested the president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro and took him into custody in the US, charged with drug offences. Political scientist Julia Buxton chooses five books on modern Venezuelan politics and explains that this is only the latest political catastrophe to befall a country that has been plagued by its vast oil reserves. An endowment of natural resources that was expected to make the country rich when they were discovered in the early 20th century has only succeeded in making it poor and politically unstable. This interview appeared first on Five Books .
In early January 2026, the world watched as US forces arrested Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, and charged him with drug offenses. This dramatic turn of events highlighted the ongoing political turmoil in a nation that has long struggled with the curse of its vast oil reserves. Political scientist Julia Buxton, who has extensively studied Venezuelan politics, recently shared her recommendations for five books that provide insight into the country's modern political landscape and its troubled history.
Julia Buxton's selection of books begins with "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith. Although first published in 1776, Smith's seminal work on economics remains relevant to Venezuela's story. The country's discovery of oil in the early 20th century was initially seen as a blessing that would propel it into prosperity. However, as Buxton points out, Venezuela's reliance on oil revenues has led to a cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and political instability. Smith's arguments about the dangers of over-reliance on natural resources and the importance of diversified economies provide a cautionary tale for Venezuela.
The second book on Buxton's list is "The Resource Curse" by Dambisa Moyo. Published in 2002, this book examines how countries rich in natural resources often suffer from underdevelopment, political instability, and economic stagnation. Moyo argues that the "resource curse" occurs when a nation's wealth from natural resources leads to corruption, misallocation of resources, and a lack of incentives for sustainable development. Venezuela, with its vast oil reserves, is a prime example of the resource curse in action. Buxton notes that Moyo's analysis helps explain why Venezuela's oil-driven economy has failed to deliver the promised prosperity.
The third recommendation is "Chaos in Venezuela" by Ivan Osnovyanko. This book delves into the complex political dynamics that have shaped Venezuela's modern history, from the rise of Hugo Chávez in the 1990s to the current crisis. Osnovyanko provides a detailed account of the political shifts, including the polarization between Chávez's socialist government and the opposition, as well as the impact of external factors such as US sanctions. Buxton emphasizes that understanding these historical and political contexts is essential to grasping the current situation in Venezuela.
The fourth book on the list is "The Venezuela I Knew" by Marte Galenz. Written by a Venezuelan journalist who witnessed the country's transformation firsthand, this memoir offers a personal perspective on the challenges faced by the Venezuelan people. Galenz describes the everyday struggles of Venezuelans in the face of economic collapse, political repression, and social unrest. Buxton argues that Galenz's account provides a human dimension to the political and economic analyses, making it a vital read for those seeking to understand the plight of Venezuela's citizens.
Finally, Buxton recommends "The End of the World is Coming" by Greg Grandin. This book examines the historical and cultural roots of Venezuela's crisis, tracing its origins back to the country's colonial past and the legacy of European imperialism. Grandin's analysis explores how Venezuela's political and economic woes are intertwined with its history of inequality, violence, and resistance. Buxton suggests that Grandin's work helps contextualize the current political catastrophe and provides insights into possible paths forward for the nation.
Julia Buxton's selection of books underscores the enduring challenges faced by Venezuela, a country that has been plagued by its vast oil reserves since their discovery in the early 20th century. These resources, once heralded as a path to prosperity, have instead contributed to poverty and political instability. As the world watches the unfolding drama of Maduro's arrest, these books offer a window into the complex history and politics of a nation grappling with the consequences of its natural resource endowment. For those interested in understanding Venezuela's modern political landscape, these recommendations provide a compelling starting point for delving deeper into the country's troubled past and uncertain future.
