He was also instrumental in strengthening alliances with the Bolivarian countries and in raising the status of Venezuela in the region, including its inclusion in the South American common market (MERCOSUR).

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Some Reflections Over Speculations on Venezuela's Future

This is why Western Hemisphere countries have accepted Venezuela as a democracy, as have the Organization of American States (OAS) and Mercosur (The South American Common Market).

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Election in Venezuela: A Wild Card for US National Security

Just last week Brazil and its allies in the Southern Cone supported the inclusion of Venezuela in Mercosur, the South American common market, despite Chavez's anti-democratic practices which contradicts the group's clause that conditions membership on the existence of fully democratic institutions.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A closer look at Brazil's foreign policy