Problem
Although Colombia and Venezuela share a colonial past, they currently display profound political differences. On the one hand, Colombia, notwithstanding significant barriers, has gradually advanced toward democracy. On the other, Venezuela, once home to Latin America's most prosperous democracy, is now governed by a repressive dictatorship. 3 Please answer the following questions using an essay format: What factors explain the opposing fates of Colombia and Venezuela, as one country has democratized and the other reversed to dictatorship? Hint: Your answer should include the following:
a. Define democratization and democratic backsliding;
b. Explain Colombia's path to democracy;
c. Explain Venezuela's reversal to dictatorship;
d. Provide examples from the lecture and readings.