Relationship dossier
Australia
Venezuela
Relationship assessment
Political disputes over Venezuela's government and Australia's sanctions have strained relations.
Australia toward Venezuela
-45Australia supported Juan Guaidó's claim to Venezuela's interim presidency and joined international efforts questioning Nicolás Maduro's government. Australia also imposed targeted sanctions on Venezuelan officials.
Venezuela toward Australia
-30The Maduro government rejected Australia's support for Juan Guaidó and criticized Australia's stance as interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
Overall relationship
-35The relationship has been shaped chiefly by Australia's opposition to Nicolás Maduro's government and its support for Venezuela's opposition-led transition efforts, alongside targeted sanctions. The Maduro government's rejection of Australia's position has reinforced political friction; the scope of practical cooperation is unclear.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Relations have been strained by Australia's support for Venezuela's opposition-led transition efforts and sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials. The Maduro government has rejected Australia's stance as interference in Venezuelan affairs. These political disputes weigh more heavily than the limited bilateral cooperation recalled.
Areas of tension
- Australia's support for Juan Guaidó and challenges to Nicolás Maduro's legitimacy
- Australian sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials
- Venezuela's objections to Australia's involvement in its internal political affairs
Key developments
Australia recognized Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president.
Australia imposed targeted sanctions on Venezuelan officials.
Australia joined the Lima Group's efforts concerning Venezuela's political crisis.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and implementation of Australia's sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials are unclear.
- The extent of subsequent bilateral government engagement is unclear.