Chicago Debate League 2013/14 Core Files
AC Harms – Democracy: A/t - #2 “Democracy Turn” [1/2] 75
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2AC Harms – Democracy: A/t - #2 “Democracy Turn” [1/2] 751) The U.S.’ failure to take an active role in rebuilding Venezuelan democracy is hurting perceptions of credibility around the globe. Only the plan can restore faith in the U.S. democratic system. Extend our 1AC WALSER evidence. 2) We control Uniqueness: Obama’s support for one side of Venezuelan politics has already caused backlash. Only a return to supporting broad-based democratic ideals restores the balance. SULLIVAN, 13 [Mark, Specialist in Latin American Affairs with Congressional Research Service; “Hugo Chávez’s Death: Implications for Venezuela and U.S. Relations,” 4/09, http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R42989.pdf] Some observers have criticized the Obama Administration for making overtures to engage with Maduro, contending that U.S. policy should focus on attempting to ensure that the upcoming election is free and fair. A Washington Post editorial from early March 2013 contended that “further wooing of Mr. Maduro should wait until he survives the scrum in his own party, wins a free vote and demonstrates that he is more than a Castro puppet.” While it is likely that any improvement in relations will remain on hold during the election process, some analysts maintain that it is important for U.S. policymakers to remember that taking sides in Venezuela’s internal politics can be counter-productive. According to Cynthia Arnson of the Woodrow Wilson Center: “Supporting broad principles such as internal dialogue to overcome polarization for the rule of law is not the same as promoting a particular political outcome, an approach that is destined to only backfire.” Other analysts maintain that it is important for U.S. policymakers to recognize the level of popular support in Venezuela for President Chávez. While there was considerable controversy over past elections in which Chávez’s campaign unfairly utilized state resources and broadcast media, the margins of his electoral victories in four elections over the y ears left no doubt that he had won those elections. His death, at least in the short to medium term, could deepen popular support for the PSUV. 2AC Harms – Democracy: A/t - #2 “Democracy Turn” [2/2] 763) Engagement will allow the U.S. to negotiate favorable energy deals and bolster economic agreements with all of Latin America, expanding regional influence. HARVARD CRIMSON, 13 [John Griffin, editorial writer, “Engage with Venezuela,” 4/03, http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2013/4/3/Harvard-Venezuela-Chavez-death/] Beyond leading to more amicable, cooperative relationships with Latin American nations, engagement with Venezuela would also be economically advisable. With the world’s largest oil reserves, countless other valuable resources, and stunning natural beauty to attract scores of tourists, Venezuela has quite a bit to offer economically. Even now, America can see the possible benefits of economic engagement with Caracas by looking at one of the few extant cases of such cooperation: Each year, thousands of needy Americans are able to keep their homes heated because of the cooperation between Venezuela and a Boston-area oil company. Engagement with Venezuela would also lead to stronger economic cooperation with the entirety of Latin America. It was mostly through Venezuela’s efforts that the United States was unable to create a “Free Trade Area of the Americas,” an endeavor that would have eliminated most trade barriers among participant nations, thereby leading to more lucrative trade. In a world where the United States and Venezuela were to enjoy normalized relations, all nations involved would benefit from such agreements. 2AC Harms – Democracy: A/t - #3 “Empirically Denied” 771) Venezuela is a unique test-case for U.S. democracy promotion. Succeeding there will restore global faith in U.S. legitimacy and enable more successful efforts everywhere. Extend our 1AC WALSER evidence. 2) Engaging the new Venezuelan government on democracy will bolster U.S. credibility globally and erase past hypocrisy. HARVARD CRIMSON, 13 [John Griffin, editorial writer, “Engage with Venezuela,” 4/03, http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2013/4/3/Harvard-Venezuela-Chavez-death/] Diplomatically, positive engagement with Venezuela would be a major step toward building American credibility in the world at large, especially in Latin America. Chávez (along with his friends the Castros in Cuba) was able to bolster regional support for his regime by pointing out the United States’ attempts to forcibly intervene in Venezuelan politics. Soon, a number of populist governments in Latin America had rallied around Chávez and his anti-American policies. In 2004, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and three Caribbean nations joined with Venezuela and Cuba to form the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our America, an organization in direct opposition to the Free Trade Area in the Americas proposed (but never realized) by the Bush administration. Chávez galvanized these nations—many of whom have experienced American interventionist tactics—by vilifying America as a common, imperial enemy. Unfortunately for the United States, its general strategy regarding Venezuela has often strengthened Chávez’s position. Every time Washington chastises Venezuela for opposing American interests or attempts to bring sanctions against the Latin American country, the leader in Caracas (whether it be Chávez or Maduro) simply gains more evidence toward his claim that Washington is a neo-colonialist meddler. This weakens the United States’ diplomatic position, while simultaneously strengthening Venezuela’s. If Washington wants Latin America to stop its current trend of electing leftist, Chavista governments, its first step should be to adopt a less astringent tone in dealing with Venezuela. Caracas will be unable to paint Washington as an aggressor, and Washington will in turn gain a better image in Latin America. 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