Quien hace la ley hace la trampa - He who makes the law sets the trap

Abstract

This thesis analyses how President Hugo Chávez, through a series of reforms and mediatic propaganda campaigns, set the foundations for the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro. ‘21st Century Socialism’ and ‘Missionary Politics’ were the two elements of crucial importance necessary for the establishment of the Bolivarian revolution and the transformation of Venezuela into a new socialist state of the twenty-first century. By conducting an enquiry into both the persona of Hugo Chávez as a charismatic leader, and the role of state-owned media, this thesis seeks to prove how the state imposed its authority over the people of Venezuela. The inclusion of oral testimonies allows the reader to experience the vivid details and emotions of Venezuelans during the presidencies of Chávez and Maduro. This thesis explains the transformation of the country from a democracy to a dictatorship and highlights Hugo Chávez’s pivotal role in increasing the president’s authority and power at the cost of the well-being of the Venezuelan people.