Managing the Problem of the Colombian Frontier: A Study of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy in Venezuela

Abstract

This work tries to tackle this complicated issue from the perspectives of one of Venezuela’s most contentious foreign policy areas, its relations with Colombia. The agenda of co-operation with Colombia represents an important part of our bilateral diplomacy. Trade, natural resources, security, delimitation, migrations, economic and political integration are item of agenda. However, public opinion has presented only an vague image. The negative side of the puzzle is under the spotlight daily. The positive side is usually in small paragraphs or only in the editorial comment of the newspaper. As a result only few Venezuelans can construct a coherent view of their country’s relations with Colombia.

Keywords: Venezuela, Colombia, Guerrilla, Cooperation Natural Resources

JEL Classification: K33, H77