The Interpreter: How Does Populism Turn Authoritarian? Venezuela Is a Case in Point When Hugo Chávez took power nearly 20 years ago, the leftist populism he championed was supposed to save democracy. Instead, it has done the opposite. Share: Facebook Twitter Google+ Stumble Digg Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook Related Posts:Rex Tillerson Tells Myanmar Leaders to Investigate Attacks on RohingyaZimbabwe’s Apparent Coup: What We KnowRobert Mugabe Under House Arrest as Rule Over Zimbabwe TeetersA Radioactive Cloud Wafts Over Europe, With Russia as Chief SuspectInside the Truce Village Where a North Korean Soldier DefectedVolgograd Journal: For Russians, 75 Years Later, Stalingrad Is a Battle to Remember