The growing importance of Venezuela in the global oil market along with the controversial nature of its leadership provoke concern among some world powers--especially the United States, whose international policies have been heavily criticized by Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. This critical look at American/Venezuelan relations presents perceptions held by each government of the other and examines the sources of tensions--and points of confluence--between the two countries.

"Global Security Watch--Venezuela" traces the political relations between the United States and Venezuela from...