Extraordinary Threat: The U.S. Empire, the Media, and Twenty Years of Coup Attempts in Venezuela

President Obama initiated sanctions against Venezuela in March 2015, claiming a "national emergency" due to the threat to national security and foreign policy. Joe Emersberger and Justin Podur argue in their book "Extraordinary Threat" that the U.S. policy of regime change is an "extraordinary threat" to Venezuelans, causing tens of thousands of deaths and repeated coup attempts. They debunk myths about the Venezuelan government's lack of electoral legitimacy and human rights record, stating that the real target is Chavismo, the prospect of twenty-first-century socialism through electoral and constitutional means. The U.S. empire must prevent this from succeeding.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Monthly Review Press,U.S.

President Obama imposed sanctions on Venezuela in March 2015, declaring a "national emergency" due to the country's "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States' national security and foreign policy. However, Joe Emersberger and Justin Podur argue in their book "Extraordinary Threat" that the U.S. policy of regime change in Venezuela poses an even greater threat to the Venezuelan people. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have died as a result of these sanctions, which have denied them access to essential food, medicine, and fuel. Additionally, Venezuela has faced repeated coup attempts by U.S.-backed forces since 2002.

In "Extraordinary Threat," Emersberger and Podur delve into the story of six coup attempts against Venezuela. They challenge the myths propagated by the corporate media about the Venezuelan government's lack of electoral legitimacy, human rights abuses, and economic development record. Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. assault on Venezuela is not aimed at its alleged authoritarianism or corruption. Rather, it is directed at the prospect of twenty-first-century socialism, which Chavismo represents. The U.S. empire is determined to prevent this vision of socialism from succeeding, as it threatens its own interests and hegemony in the region.

The book highlights the devastating impact of U.S. sanctions on the Venezuelan economy, which has been struggling to cope with the decline in oil prices and the political turmoil. The sanctions have led to hyperinflation, food shortages, and a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Venezuelans facing severe poverty and malnutrition. The authors argue that the U.S. sanctions are not only causing human suffering but also undermining Venezuela's democratic institutions and exacerbating the country's political crisis.

The book also sheds light on the role of the United States in supporting opposition groups and orchestrating coups in Venezuela. The authors document how the U.S. has provided financial and logistical support to groups such as the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the Organization of American States (OAS), which have been instrumental in funding and organizing opposition protests and coup attempts. These efforts have been aimed at destabilizing the Venezuelan government and promoting a change of leadership that aligns with U.S. interests.

Despite the challenges faced by Venezuela, the authors remain optimistic about the country's potential for resilience and transformation. They argue that the Venezuelan people have shown their determination to defend their sovereignty and democracy, and that they have the support of the international community, including countries in Latin America and Europe. The authors call for an end to the U.S. sanctions and for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Venezuela, which can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation.

In conclusion, "Extraordinary Threat" is a timely and important book that challenges the narrative propagated by the U.S. media and political establishment about Venezuela. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the country's political and economic situation, and exposes the true motives behind the U.S. assault on Venezuela. The book calls for an end to the sanctions and for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis, which can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of the region and the ongoing struggle for democracy and social justice.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 147 x 225 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781583679173