Maduro has survived predictions and ridicule, but along the way, Venezuela lost millions of inhabitants, 72% of its economy, democratic legitimacy in the eyes of much of the world, and many of its most important international allies.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says “decisive” actions by the United States, including the seizure of an oil tanker, have left the repressive government of President Nicolás Maduro at its weakest point.

Caracas condemned the U.S. seizure as an “act of international piracy" and “blatant theft” of sovereign resources. Follow Newsweek's live blog.

Donald Trump signals military action against Venezuelan narco-state as Nicolas Maduro regime threatens American security through drug trafficking.

El presidente ruso Vladímir Putin expresó el jueves su “solidaridad con el pueblo venezolano” en medio de las crecientes tensiones entre el líder

Fortunately, China and Russia are not actively supporting Maduro. But if the U.S. doesn’t act soon, its strength will be called into question, not only by Maduro but also by his allies and his main geopolitical adversaries. U.S. deterrent power would suffer a severe blow.

Venezuela's Maduro vows to 'smash teeth' of U.S. empire as America seizes oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, escalating diplomatic crisis between nations.

María Corina Machado reappeared on the global stage as the Trump administration ramped up its pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro.