On Friday, Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term as Venezuela's president, despite widespread accusations of election fraud and a growing wave of international opposition. Having served as president since 2013, Maduro has weathered numerous crises, including a collapsing economy, US sanctions, and ongoing protests. His controversial victory in the July 2024 elections was followed by violent crackdowns, which saw over 2,400 people arrested and at least 28 killed. This marks the latest in a series of harsh responses to opposition protests dating back to 2014. Despite lacking the same charisma or oil revenue boost that characterized his late mentor, Hugo Chavez’s tenure, Maduro has clung to power with the help of Venezuela’s military and paramilitary groups.

Maduro’s third term, which could extend his rule until 2031—four years longer than Chavez—has left him increasingly isolated on the international stage. While countries like Russia and Cuba continue to back him, much of the global community, including the United States and several Latin American nations, recognize opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate president. His leadership has been marred by both economic instability and human rights violations, with Venezuela facing an ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court. Maduro has maintained control by leveraging realpolitik and alliances with countries like China and Russia, while using anti-American rhetoric to rally domestic support and deflect blame for Venezuela’s deteriorating situation.

Known for his eccentric image, Maduro portrays himself as a man of the people, frequently appearing on state television dancing salsa or displaying his baseball fandom. However, his rule has been marked by an increasingly authoritarian approach, with the government silencing opposition and dissent. His latest attempt to bolster his image is through the creation of a popular cartoon character, "Super-Mustache," a caped superhero fighting "imperialism." Despite international criticism, Maduro has managed to remain in power, skillfully navigating the country's internal and external challenges, but his future appears fraught with continued political unrest and global isolation.