Forecast Given their fragmented, decentralized structure, Venezuela’s colectivos would have a difficult time openly confronting security forces in the coming year. These groups will try to maintain their independence in the neighborhoods they control in spite of government efforts to disarm them . The government probably will not be able to disarm the colectivos that run the impoverished slums of western Caracas in 2016, despite security operations in the area. The colectivos will try to take advantage of Venezuela’s dire economic situation by stealing food and basic goods and reselling them at higher prices. Analysis Venezuela has been in a tailspin since former President Hugo Chavez died in March 2013. But in addition to the country’s visible economic and political deterioration , another crisis is emerging, one that is perhaps less conspicuous but no less damaging. Tension […]