An Empty Research Agenda: The Creation of Myths About Contemporary Venezuela

Publication Date:

Publisher: Center for Economic and Policy Research

Author(s): Mark Weisbrot

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Literacy rate; Hugo Chavez; Oil exports

Type: Report

Coverage: Venezuela

Abstract:

This paper looks at allegations against the government of Venezuela in Foreign Affairs' recently published article, "An Empty Revolution: The Unfulfilled Promises of Hugo Chávez," (March/April 2008), in light of available data. It shows that some of the allegations are altogether wrong, and others grossly exaggerated and/or misleading. In the five years since the government of President Chávez got control over the country's national oil industry there has been a substantial decline in inequality, the poverty rate has been cut in half, and unemployment by more than half. Real (inflation-adjusted) social spending per capita in Venezuela increased by 314 percent from 1998-2006. The current account surplus is still very large, at more than 8 percent of GDP. The paper also shows that the article does not present evidence to suggest literacy has not improved in Venezuela.