Phil Gunson Senior Analyst, Andes Caracas, Venezuela Please submit all media inquiries to pgunson@crisisgroup.org or call +57 1 2565769 ext 101 Crisis Group Role As Andes Project Senior Analyst, Phil researches and produces Crisis Group policy materials and conducts advocacy on political issues in the Andes region, focusing primarily on the Venezuelan political situation. He has spent almost 40 years reporting on Latin America for a wide variety of news media, including the BBC World Service, The Guardian, Newsweek, The Miami Herald and The Economist. In the 1980s he covered the wars in Central America, and in the late 1990s he was Latin America correspondent for The Guardian, based in Mexico City. He has coauthored two books on the region, including a two-volume political dictionary of Latin America and the Caribbean. Areas of Expertise Venezuela Conflict resolution Latin America politics Professional Background Consultant, International Crisis Group (2012-2015) Correspondent, The Economist (2000-2015) MA in English literature Cambridge University University Degree Languages English (native) Spanish (fluent) In The News 28 Jun 2017 But so far that discontent [within Venezuela's armed forces] has not translated into a split in the armed forces, and this is clearly what everybody's waiting for. Al Jazeera Phil Gunson Senior Analyst, Andes 24 Jun 2017 The opposition [in Venezuela] knows perfectly well that they would lose a violent struggle. If they start shooting back, everything is over. So the violence on the opposition side is reactive. Al Jazeera Phil Gunson Senior Analyst, Andes 14 Jun 2017 The election [of Venezuela's Constitutional Assembly] planned for July 30 could be a trigger point leading to a sharp escalation of violence. The Washington Post Phil Gunson Senior Analyst, Andes 24 May 2017 The more people die [in Venezuela], the more the anger grows and the more willing the [Venezuelan] government becomes to respond even more violently. The Washington Post Phil Gunson Senior Analyst, Andes 11 May 2017 After years of using elections as plebiscites [...] the government [of Venezuela] can now [...] neither muster the electoral support nor find a convincing reason not to hold a vote. The Washington Post Phil Gunson Senior Analyst, Andes 8 May 2017 The U.S. has a role to play in contributing to the international pressure [on Venezuela], but that is best done multilaterally, which is what we have seen so far. Univision Phil Gunson Senior Analyst, Andes Latest Updates Commentary / Latin America & Caribbean 11 May 2017 Venezuela: A Blueprint for Strife Two developments are propelling Venezuela faster along a route that has already led to dozens of deaths in the last few weeks: the first is an undemocratic proposal for a new constitution; the second is increasingly isolated Venezuela’s withdrawal from the Organisation of American States. Also available in Español Commentary / Latin America & Caribbean 10 April 2017 Venezuela: In a Hole, and Still Digging Venezuela’s neighbours are at last contemplating tougher measures to counter its dangerous and undemocratic behaviour. The government, helped by outsiders, should now negotiate with the opposition on a transitional regime to lead the country out of its grave social, economic and political crisis. Also available in Español Commentary / Latin America & Caribbean 20 January 2017 Venezuela Is Falling off the Map Beset by relentless hyperinflation, collapsing public services and increasingly dictatorial rule, Venezuela is at risk of becoming a failed state. The best hope for change lies with neighbouring countries, which must sustain pressure to find a solution. Also available in Español Commentary / Latin America & Caribbean 8 November 2016 Can the Vatican Pull Venezuela Back from the Brink? Venezuela’s blocking of a recall referendum on ending the presidency of Nicolás Maduro has made a peaceful solution to the country’s festering conflict harder to achieve. Vatican mediation now offers one of the few hopes of progress. Also available in Español Commentary / Latin America & Caribbean 13 October 2016 Crisis-hit Venezuela’s Political Rivals Stumble Towards Talks Faced with crushing economic stress, a weakening president, a constitutional stalemate and popular unrest, Venezuela’s “Chavista” government and the opposition are feeling their way towards compromise. Load more