State-sponsored terrorism is a term loosely used to describe terrorism sponsored by nation-states. As with terrorism, the precise definition and the identification of particular examples are subjects of heated political dispute but here we take the example of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, Modern Day Bolivia who has great distaste for the United States of America.
Hugo Chavez is alleged to be irrational in his ways due to psychosis caused by his addictions and insomniac behaviors. “He takes a large amount of caffeine that gives him his surliness. This can result in rapid decision making without pondering. Over all he suffers a narcissistic and paranoid personality which reflects in the above mentioned feelings.” (Pearson, n.d. p. 1). “This kind of behavior always affects his political style. His followers feel that this kind of narcissistic personality taht causes a sense of insecurity in him. When he is under stress, he blames others without considering his own shortcomings. He feels very insecure and he is afraid of everything. This personality trait makes him feel that America will invade Venezuela.” (Pearson, n.d. p. 1). As an example to the above claims, he once accused former U.S. President, George Bush of backing the failed 2002 coup against him (Padgett, 2006, p. 1).
“He harbors a hostile attitude towards the United States. His main motivation is to cause harm to United States. Also, he mainly tries to bring all the enemies of United States in one hand and he believes that United States is a devilish country. He also calls all developing countries to unite in fighting the U.S.” (Pearson n.d., p. 1). He does all he can to develop ties with other states in order to make people hate the U.S government. For instance, his help to victims of Hurricane Katrina and discounted oil and loans to Latin America during Bush’s regime (Padgett, 2006, p. 1)
He has been linked with various militants and terrorist gangs. For example, high profile visits to Cuba and Iraq, while allegedly flirting with left-wing rebels in Columbia and making a huge territorial claim on Guyana.” (“Profile: Hugo Chavez”, 2009). “The main groups are FARC and ELN that are permitted to operate safely in Venezuela. There are also some reports that Russia provided arms to Venezuela in the recent past. He is also alleged of giving financial support to the Talibans, AlQaedas and Afghans. Also, after the 9/11 attack, Chavez and his supporters burned the national flag of America.” (Pearson, n.d. p. 2).
With this kind of distaste for America, possession of resources to finance terrorism and proximity to the United States of America, Hugo Chavez poses a great risk to America. It appears that, after developing animosity between his country and the U.S, and knowing the power of the U.S, he has been preparing for an unforeseen war. His ties to terrorist groups and actions showing his distaste for America, like the burning of the U.S. national flag after the 9/11 attack, show how determined he is to either at one time in the future target terrorist attacks to the U.S. or win any attacks against his country by the U.S. It is, therefore, apparent that he is a major security threat for the United States of America. The severity of his threats and threatening acts and ties can not be gauged with precision but it is clear that he poses a greater risk to the United States than the Iranian government and North Korea.
Reference list
Padgett, T., “Hugo Chavez”, TIME, Web.
Pearson, M. “Issues of Terrorism”, n.d.
“Profile: Hugo Chavez”, 2009, BBC NEWS, Web.