Hugo Chavez's Hybrid Regime

In the past, there have been countless studies analyzing the many aspects of both democracy and authoritarianism. From how they form to their enablers and hindrances, the study of the governmental systems is countless and profound. However, one aspect of such studies has been, perhaps, too long neglected and understudied. This aspect is that of hybrid regimes. Hybrid regimes have traditionally been considered to be a transitional stage between democracy and an authoritarianism, and in a basic understanding contains mixed elements of each. Countries who are hybrid regimes have become as such for a multitude of reasons, either transitioning from a failed democracy or authoritarianism. Yet while some may consider hybrid regimes as nothing more …show more content…
Despite the fact that Venezuela in by no means the largest, or longest standing, stable hybrid regime, Venezuela does contain multiple corrupt methods “that incumbent SCEAOMIDD authorities use to defeat their opponents” (Brown 36). The first method in which Venezuela uses in the goal of maintaining a stable hybrid regime is that of media manipulation. Media manipulation is “where the state own mass media” and “can directly vies content in favor of pro-incumbent candidates and policies” (Brown 36). In this instance, Venezuela manipulates the media into portraying their leaders and government as being the favored and best way in which the country can choose to move forward. The following is an example of such media manipulation orchestrated by the government, showing how this method of hybrid regime preservation is present in the …show more content…
In terms of manipulating the choice set, Chavez did not necessarily have to seek out fully discrediting other political opponents, for some managed to give themselves a bad reputation by becoming nondemocratic in the process of attacking Chavez. However, Chavez did manipulate constitutional rules for his own political gain, and essentially limiting the amount of opportunity for opposition parties to challenge Chavez. Examples of actions Chavez took in this process are “banning opponents, allowing the ruling party to spend state money unaccountably, eliminating term limits for the presidency in 2009, and creating electoral laws that are biased in favor of incumbents ”. Not only did Chavez achieve restrict the ability of opposing parties to effective go against him in elections, but there was also doubt that the voting system itself was susceptible to manipulation. In the 2006 elections, opposing parties to Chavez doubted that the election would be anything but fair and transparent