The Guacamaya
The Guacamaya is a podcast about Venezuela—its history, politics, and the forces that shaped the country we know today. From dictators and coups to oil, democracy, and the rise of Hugo Chávez, each episode goes beyond the headlines to explain how Venezuela got here... and where it may be going next.
The Guacamaya
Dancing with the Devils
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Episode 4 | In 1998, Hugo Chávez was a former coup leader fresh out of prison, polling at just five percent and dismissed by nearly everyone in Venezuela.
But within a year, he would become president.
In this episode, we trace how Chávez made that extraordinary rise: from his release by Rafael Caldera, to his decision to abandon armed struggle and run for office.
We follow the collapse of Venezuela’s old political order, the other candidates, and the behind-the-scenes battle between Venezuela’s economic elites.
Because the man who promised to destroy the oligarchy did not reach power alone—he got there with its help.