Venezuela: Is the revolution losing its charm?

The article analyzes domestic and international performance of the government and offers short time predictions on political conflict and the government's choices. In 2007, President Chavez made an important attempt to radicalize and consolidate the so-called "Bolivarian revolution". Altogether, new democratic opponents (namely, new student movement) emerged and won a significant election for the first time in nine years. The government has stubbornly refused to wake significant economic reforms, despite evident failures leading to scarcity and inflation, even though oil prices continue to boom. The government has suffered important failures in foreign policy and Chavez international image has been damaged. In 2008, the main lines of conflict, both domestic and international, already exploited in the constitutional reform campaign will be deepened during the municipal and state campaigns. The new elections will Provide a new opportunity for polarization, despite the efforts made by moderate sectors from both the government and opposition.