Abstract
Venezuela’s political and economic crisis has led to one of the largest migratory movements in Latin American history. Over the past two decades, millions of Venezuelans have fled due to political repression, economic collapse, and humanitarian emergencies. This project examines general migration patterns from Venezuela between 1999 and the present. Using data from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and World Population Prospects, the study analyzes how political radicalization and economic instability have influenced migration trends over time. The findings provide crucial insights into the scale and nature of this mass displacement and its implications for both migrants and host nations.
The findings indicate a significant correlation between governmental radicalization, economic collapse, and mass migration. The research categorizes migration trends into three political phases: the Chávez era (1999-2013), Maduro’s early years (2013-2018), and the ongoing humanitarian crisis (2018-present). Data analysis reveals that migration patterns directly correlate with major political events, including oil price fluctuations, hyperinflation, and governmental crackdowns on opposition. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that migration has transformed from a gradual economic outflow to an urgent survival mechanism, with entire families fleeing due to food insecurity, hyperinflation, and violence. Additionally, the project highlights gendered migration trends, with a consistently higher proportion of female migrants, emphasizing the importance of gender-sensitive migration policies. It also suggests that women face unique socio-economic vulnerabilities and pressures in Venezuela that drive their displacement.
Recommended Citation
Fernandez, Isabella
(2025)
"Radicalization and Exodus: Analyzing the Impact of Governmental Extremism on Migration Patterns in Venezuela,"
Silicon Valley Sociological Review: Vol. 23, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/svsr/vol23/iss1/5