Peru’s Departure from Lima Group

Venezuela has become a component of imbalance for Latin America due to its multiple crises. This reality took strength from the moment the Lima Group was created with the sole objective of recovering its democracy. However, diplomatic pressure has not achieved its objectives and each time it seems that its credibility diminishes due to the lack of results and the reduction of member countries.

Formal withdrawal from Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru, and Saint Lucia

Based on the press release generated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina, on March 24, 2021, it was ensured that the international actions that the Lima Group has induced is to block Venezuela. This pressure on the Venezuelan government has not achieved its objectives and Maduro, despite his crises, remains in power with a weakened opposition. In addition, the nation reiterates that the best way is to forge a dialogue.

Recently, the new Peruvian president Pedro Castillo assured a change of position in Venezuela. The leader hinted that he is seeking dialogue to the crisis that Venezuelans are experiencing. In addition, Bolivia unconditionally supports this decision of the Peruvian leader. Even Santa Lucia also changed its international position and formally withdrew from the Lima Group. But, what options does the Lima Group have? In order not to continue in decline.

What options does the Lima Group have?

The latest communiqué from the Lima Group suggests the search for international allies, in order to increase the pressure in Venezuela. The bloc emphasizes involving actors, such as the International Criminal Court, the UN Human Rights Council, and the Security Council. This action marks the confrontation at the highest level between President Nicolás Maduro and Juan Guaidó. Therefore, it is important to identify the risks faced by confrontational methods. These actions of disputes generate a condition of effectiveness, with respect to its diplomatic strategy. That is why it is necessary to add the support of the United States and thus correct the conceptual and structural weakness of the bloc.

Also read: How are the dialogues between Chavismo and the Venezuelan opposition going?

However, the Lima Group has other diplomatic action strategies that it must manage. According to an article by Carlos Chaves, a political scientist at the National University of Colombia, published in the Journal of International Relations, Strategies, and Security, the bloc should consider weighing some thematic axes in order not to enter into a sudden landslide.

• Moderate the ideological discourse to become a bloc with speech skills in the face of the severe crisis in Venezuela.
• The lack of regional identity means that it does not have the operational capacity in the present and in the future.
• The increase in support from the United States conditions the decisions taken. Therefore, it could not continue as a diplomatic axis that provides facilities and solutions to the general problem of Venezuela.
• The internalization strategy of the Venezuelan crisis has generated recognition. However, they have included great powers that displace collaborative projects on Venezuela.
• The history of the Lima Group marks the inability of the American system to manage the crisis in Venezuela.
• Consolidate the unified positions within the block, to allow efficiency.
• The role in Colombian politics is another challenge for the Lima Group. The Duque government seeks to forcefully acquire political leadership. However, the bloc has not collaborated between the Duque and Maduro relations. In addition, the capital Duque invested is at risk, as the Maduro government managed to withstand political pressure.
• The pressure led by the Lima Group collides with tradition. That is why the bloc must review its strategy regarding the achievements of the diplomatic siege.

The Lima Group landslide gives Maduro a turning point in the region

Indeed, the collapse of the Lima Group gives the government of Nicolás Maduro a turning point for the immediate future. International pressure has lessened and, despite sanctions continuing, the government already knows how to stay in power. However, it remains to see the various options in which the block emphasizes, to observe the course it takes. It is important to point out that, whatever direction the Lima Group takes, the countries that support it are few.