Between Two Worlds: Politics, Imagery, and Identity Between Lithuania and Venezuela*

Abstract

This article presents the author’s observations from 1991 to 2020 on the divergent social and political trajectories of Lithuania and Venezuela, exploring the relevance of these contrasts within the contemporary European socio-political context. Lithuania’s path after the Soviet rule embraced democracy and economic reform, supported by a historical foundation of innovation and adaptability.
Venezuela, despite its wealth in natural resources, fell into economic and social decline under prolonged socialist regimes led by Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. The article examines the influence of inter national actors, including Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China, within Venezuela’s territory and considers the potential implications of these relationships for the European Union. Finally, it underscores the importance of monitoring developments in Venezuela to assess the risks of its evolving role as a consolidated platform for Western adversaries.