Sidebar #57 - Reactions to Venezuela in Costa Rica

I’ve had a few friends and family members ask about how Costa Ricans, or Ticos perceived the US’ capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and President Trump’s subsequent stated intention to “run the country”. Since this is a hot-button topic, I wanted to give a little bit of time before writing this sidebar blog and addressing those questions. Additionally, this isn’t the place to share my own thoughts on the situation in Venezuela. I’m always happy to chat privately, but in this sidebar, I will focus on Costa Rican reactions to the situation in Venezuela. 

Similarly to the US, there are a variety of reactions to the news in Venezuela here in Costa Rica. Although Latin America has several different countries and nationalities, there is certainly a shared Latin identity between these countries, and the developments in Venezuela were a big deal in Costa Rica. From my observations as a foreigner living here, which isn’t a perfect science, the overarching reaction I’ve noticed is happiness for the Venezuelan people freeing themselves from a brutal dictator. Lots of celebrations took place here, and there was certainly excitement. On the other hand, there was criticism from some as well as others feared growing American influence and interventionism in the region. There was even a protest outside the American embassy in San Jose. There’s growing American influence in Costa Rica as well, and as I’ve referenced before, Costa Rica has no military, so I can completely understand that point of view as well. 

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