Sep 15, 2026 · 20 min · 8 segments
Episode 23 | What happens when a dictatorship loses an election? In December 2015, Venezuela’s opposition won a sweeping majority in the National Assembly. Millions celebrated, believing change…
[dramatic music] In March 2015, Nicolás Maduro was offered a political opportunity.
President Barack Obama announced sanctions against seven Venezuelan officials, targeting abuses that included the repression of protesters in 2014.
The measures froze property under American jurisdiction and restricted entry into the United States.
They targeted individuals.
But the executive order contained a phrase that Maduro would put to very effective use.
It described the situation in Venezuela as, quote, "An unusual and extraordinary threat to American national security and foreign policy."
[on radio] Los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica-
[on radio] Representando a la élite imperialista de los Estados Unidos-
... representing the imperialist elite of the United States-
[on radio] Ha decidido pasar personalmente a cumplir la tarea de derrocar mi gobierno-
... has decided to personally take on the task of toppling my government-
For Washington, though, this was legal language used to activate emergency sanctions powers.
For Maduro, it was the opportunity to tell Venezuelans that the most powerful country on Earth was threatening their homeland.
That night, he appeared on television from Miraflores and accused Obama of plotting against his government.
He sought special powers from the National Assembly, which authorized him to rule by decree.
Venezuela's president is asking for special powers from parliament in response to new US sanctions.
The government organized military exercises and anti-imperialist rallies.
[dramatic music] In March 2015, Nicolás Maduro was offered a political opportunity.
President Barack Obama announced sanctions against seven Venezuelan officials, targeting abuses that included the repression of protesters in 2014.
The measures froze property under American jurisdiction and restricted entry into the United States.
They targeted individuals.
But the executive order contained a phrase that Maduro would put to very effective use.
It described the situation in Venezuela as, quote, "An unusual and extraordinary threat to American national security and foreign policy."
[on radio] Los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica-
[on radio] Representando a la élite imperialista de los Estados Unidos-
... representing the imperialist elite of the United States-
[on radio] Ha decidido pasar personalmente a cumplir la tarea de derrocar mi gobierno-
... has decided to personally take on the task of toppling my government-
For Washington, though, this was legal language used to activate emergency sanctions powers.
For Maduro, it was the opportunity to tell Venezuelans that the most powerful country on Earth was threatening their homeland.
That night, he appeared on television from Miraflores and accused Obama of plotting against his government.
He sought special powers from the National Assembly, which authorized him to rule by decree.
Venezuela's president is asking for special powers from parliament in response to new US sanctions.
The government organized military exercises and anti-imperialist rallies.
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