Venezuelan anti-government opposition leader Leopoldo López has surrendered after a recent escalation of violent street protests with police, but demonstrations continue.

Glen Biglaiser, associate professor of political science at the University of North Texas, is able to speak about the anti-government protests transpiring in Venezuela against President Nicolas Maduro's 10-month government.

An expert in comparative politics and political economy in Latin America, Biglaiser will discuss:

• The economic problems that plague Venezuela, an arguably oil-rich country;
• The challenges that Maduro faces in retaining popular support after his predecessor, Hugo Chávez; and
• The chances of military intervention to the demonstrations.

"What we are witnessing in Venezuela is an oil-rich country that has squandered much of its resource wealth to carry out revolutionary goals without concern for maintaining oil infrastructure or supporting sound economic policies," said Biglaiser. "What Venezuela is left with is growing opposition to Maduro's government and spiraling inflation."

Office phone: 940-565-2312
E-mail: glen.biglaiser@unt.edu