Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

The collapse of Venezuela, explained

The country is in chaos, but its leaders aren’t going anywhere.

Venezuela was once the richest and most promising country in Latin America. It has the largest oil reserves in the world, and for a long time it had a growing democracy. But today, its economic and democratic institutions are failing. While inflation skyrockets, food and medicine have become unaffordable for the country’s poor, who now make up a staggering 82 percent of the population. But instead of fixing these issues, president Nicolás Maduro has only focused on keeping himself in power. Despite violent protests across the country, Maduro has manipulated the system to gain control of all branches of government through a recent vote. To learn more about the collapse of Venezuela, watch the video above.

More in Video

Video
Why Americans can’t escape credit card debtWhy Americans can’t escape credit card debt
Play
Video

Credit card APRs are now as high as 20 percent.

By Frank Posillico
Video
Why some couples are happier living apartWhy some couples are happier living apart
Play
Video

This growing relationship trend might change the way you think about living with your romantic partner.

By Gina Pollack
Video
The strange myth behind carrots and night visionThe strange myth behind carrots and night vision
Play
Video

How we fell for World War II propaganda.

By Nate Krieger
Video
Are team sports the secret to living longer?Are team sports the secret to living longer?
Play
Video

How a basketball league for “grannies” is reimagining aging.

By Benjamin Stephen
Video
How Georgia manufactured the Peach State mythHow Georgia manufactured the Peach State myth
Play
Video

It was never really about the fruit.

By Frank Posillico
Video
How smart design can benefit senior livingHow smart design can benefit senior living
Play
Video

And why it matters for retirement communities.

By Lindsey Sitz