Venezuela
The Venezuelan government, under President Nicolás Maduro, has utilized digital platforms, particularly social media, to promote narratives of sovereignty, counter foreign criticism, and reinforce its legitimacy on the global stage. Simultaneously, opposition groups have leveraged these same platforms to garner international support and highlight human rights abuses. This section will explore how both state and non-state actors in Venezuela have harnessed digital diplomacy to influence foreign policy responses, manage international relations, and shape the global discourse surrounding the country's political turmoil.
Maduro
Maduro's digital strategy is framed as a means of pushing a narrative of resilience and sovereignty, often in opposition to what it terms foreign interference
The video titled "Nicolás Maduro | Película Completa 'Nicolás'" on YouTube is an example of digital media being used as a tool of propaganda to frame Maduro as a resilient and determined leader. The film portrays Maduro as a steadfast figure standing against challenges, both domestic and international, emphasizing his resolve in the face of adversity. By highlighting moments of struggle and resilience, the video seeks to construct a narrative that aligns Maduro with the Venezuelan people, positioning him as a fighter defending the nation against foreign interference and internal opposition. This portrayal works to build sympathy for Maduro, framing him not as an authoritarian leader but as a symbol of national pride and endurance.
This is what Chomsky's would likely describe as media manipulation or "manufactured consent." Chomsky argues that media, especially when controlled or influenced by powerful actors, is often used to construct narratives that serve elite interests. In this case, the film serves the Venezuelan government’s interests by crafting an image of Maduro that distracts from criticisms of his regime’s authoritarian practices, economic mismanagement, and suppression of dissent.
Following Chomsky’s theory, one can interpret this video as an attempt by the Venezuelan government to "manufacture consent" among people.
Maduro's Goverment
Nicolás Maduro has strategically used his X (formerly Twitter) accounts as part of his broader propaganda efforts, especially during the 2024 election. His government orchestrates disinformation campaigns through paid troll accounts, amplifying pro-government narratives and discrediting opposition leaders. By leveraging social media, Maduro spreads messages emphasizing his regime's stability and sovereignty, countering claims of election fraud and deflecting international criticism. His administration also suppresses dissent by blocking independent media outlets and fact-checking websites, further consolidating control over the digital narrative
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Disinformation Campaigns:
Maduro's regime uses fake accounts and troll farms to flood social media with misleading information, particularly around elections and opposition activity. This includes portraying a narrative of economic recovery and political stability.
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Censorship Justification
Maduro justifies censorship, particularly the blocking of platforms like X, and WhatsApp, by framing it as a necessary measure to protect national sovereignty and counter foreign interference. His administration often claims that these platforms are used by foreign powers and opposition groups to destabilize the country, spread misinformation, and incite unrest. By restricting access to these platforms, Maduro argues that he is defending Venezuela from “imperialist” attacks and safeguarding the Venezuelan people from what he describes as “psychological warfare” launched by external adversaries.
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Sidelining Opposition
Social media posts often defame opposition figures, discrediting them with unverified claims. Troll accounts amplify these messages to create confusion among both domestic and international audiences.
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Framing Progress Amid Crisis
Another example of Maduro’s use of X for propaganda is his promotion of government achievements such as housing programs and infrastructure projects, often exaggerated or framed to present an image of progress and stability. These posts are shared to distract from the ongoing economic and humanitarian crises, and they are frequently accompanied by hashtags like #VenezuelaSeLevanta (Venezuela Rises), aimed at boosting national morale and gaining international support, despite the country’s struggles under his regime
During the 2024 election period, Maduro signed a decree that blocked access to X and restricted WhatsApp, claiming that opposition groups and foreign actors were using these platforms to spread misinformation, incite violence, and undermine the electoral process. According to his administration, this action was needed to protect the Venezuelan people from what they described as "imperialist interference" and to ensure a stable and peaceful election environment (AP News, 2024)
This blocking of X and restrictions on WhatsApp were framed as steps to curb foreign influence and prevent the spread of "fake news" that could incite public unrest or influence voters against the government. Maduro’s government alleged that opposition leaders and activists were using these platforms to coordinate protests, discredit the government, and spread narratives that could destabilize the country (Reuters, 2024)lling access to these platforms, the government argued that it was taking proactive steps to prevent the interference of external forces in Venezuela's democratic processes, though critics view this as an authoritarian move to silence dissent and control the digital narrative.
The Opposition
Following the 2024 election in Venezuela, the opposition has increasingly turned to digital diplomacy as a means to challenge the disputed election results and garner international support. The Maduro government declared victory despite evidence from exit polls and independent observers indicating a win for the opposition candidate, Edmundo González. In response, opposition leaders, such as María Corina Machado, who was barred from running, have utilized social media and online platforms to call for peaceful protests and pressure the regime to release full and transparent election results.
The opposition has effectively used digital platforms to share evidence of election irregularities, including the discrepancies between official results and those collected by independent monitors. This has enabled them to build international awareness and seek solidarity from foreign governments and international organizations, such as the Organization of American States (OAS), which has called for an impartial verification of the election results. Social media has also been critical in documenting the government's brutal crackdown on protesters and dissenters, helping human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch verify and publicize these abuses.
Despite the Maduro regime's control over traditional media, digital diplomacy remains a crucial tool for the Venezuelan opposition to communicate their message globally, rally domestic support, and increase pressure on the government from international actors. This strategy mirrors similar uses of digital diplomacy seen in other global crises, such as Ukraine and Gaza, where digital platforms are employed to contest government narratives and seek international interventions
Machado
On August 6, 2024, Machado expressed gratitude for the Venezuelan people's participation in the electoral process and emphasized the importance of unity and determination. She stated, "Que el mundo lo tenga bien claro, no hay vuelta atrás, esto es irreversible y es hasta el final" ("Let the world be very clear, there is no turning back, this is irreversible and it is until the end"). This message underscored her commitment to pursuing democratic change in Venezuela.
Through these digital channels, Machado amplifies her message, appeals for international solidarity, and seeks to hold the Maduro regime accountable for its actions, exemplifying the strategic use of digital diplomacy in contemporary political movements.
International Support
This post by Elon Musk on X, endorsing María Corina Machado and calling for a "better future" for the people of Venezuela, exemplifies the role of digital diplomacy in contemporary politics. By publicly supporting Machado, a leading opposition figure against Nicolás Maduro, Musk leverages his global influence to draw international attention to Venezuela’s democratic struggles.
His endorsement not only raises Machado’s profile on the global stage but also signals solidarity with Venezuelans who seek political change. This act of digital diplomacy, where a prominent figure uses social media to promote political values and align with foreign opposition leaders, can pressure governments to reconsider their actions and push for reforms.
Machado herself actively uses digital diplomacy to build international alliances and gather support. In the embedded tweet from this same post , she references a conversation with Argentine President Javier Milei, expressing gratitude for Argentina's commitment to supporting Venezuelans through these difficult times. By publicly sharing this exchange, Machado strengthens her connections with international leaders and demonstrates her political legitimacy, appealing to both domestic and international audiences. This strategic use of social media allows opposition figures like Machado to bypass state-controlled media, reach a global audience, and advocate for democratic change from within the digital sphere.
