Democratic Revolution in Venezuela

Abstract

Venezuela, during the past six years, has been evolving, by means of fundamental changes in its economic, so cial, and political institutions, a democratic political system based upon a more diversified economy and a more equitable social structure than in the past. The change has, to a large degree, been brought about by the Acción Democrática party, which began (1945-1948) many of the programs which have been pushed more successfully in recent years. The programs of the Betancourt and Leoni governments since 1959 have in cluded an agrarian reform and other programs designed to bring some of the benefits of modern technology to the people of the rural areas. Diversification of the economy has been sought through a massive program of industrialization. Protection for manufacturing, loans, and investments in private industry by the Venezuelan Development Corporation and various projects of government-owned industries have been part of this aspect of the government's program. Finally, the governments of the last six years have attempted to establish the basis for lasting political democracy, although they have been greatly hampered by extremist groups attempting to overthrow the regime by force. The success of the Venezuelan experiment in demo cratic social revolution is by no means assured. However, it has met its first tests, and the possibility of success in the long run seems bright.