Deadline: Populism and the Press in Venezuela

Venezuela has had the highest homicide rate in South America and one of the highest levels of gun violence in the world. Robert Samet's Deadline explores the relationship between populism, the press, and the will to security, showing how media shaped the politics of security from the ground up. Denuncias are public shamings that channel popular anger against the perceived failures of ruling governments and have the power to topple regimes and create the conditions of possibility for revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2019
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Venezuela has experienced a concerning surge in homicide rates and levels of gun violence, ranking among the highest in South America and globally. During his tenure as president from 2006 to 2013, former president Hugo Chávez downplayed the severity of violent crime, emphasizing rehabilitation instead. However, his successor, President Nicolás Maduro, has taken a starkly different approach, declaring an all-out war on crime. This drastic shift in policy raises questions about the underlying factors contributing to this change.

In his book "Deadline: The End of Democracy in Venezuela," anthropologist Robert Samet delves into the complex relationship between populism, the press, and the will to security. Drawing on nearly a decade of ethnographic research alongside journalists on the Caracas crime beat, Samet demonstrates how the media played a pivotal role in shaping the politics of security from the ground up.

Contrary to popular belief, Venezuela's punitive turn was not the result of a dictatorial regime but rather an outcome of practices and institutions typically associated with democracy. Samet explores this paradox by examining the circulation of extra-legal denuncias, or accusations, by crime journalists, editors, sources, and audiences. Denuncias are public shamings that aim to channel popular anger against the perceived failures of ruling governments rather than targeting specific individuals.

A well-timed denuncia can have a significant impact, toppling regimes and creating the conditions for revolution. Samet's book is a meticulously crafted narrative that explores the interplay between the press, popular outrage, and the politics of security in the twenty-first century. It sheds light on the ways in which media outlets can influence public opinion, shape policy decisions, and ultimately impact the trajectory of a nation's security landscape.

Through his ethnographic research and analysis, Samet provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics that shape contemporary societies. "Deadline: The End of Democracy in Venezuela" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges facing democracy, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the potential for social change in the face of adversity.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226633732