NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The situation in Venezuela's neighbor to the West, Colombia, is tense tonight. Though Colombia is a major non-NATO ally of the U.S., President Trump has repeatedly threatened its president, Gustavo Petro, alleging without evidence that he has ties to the drug trade. Geoff Bennett discussed the situation with special correspondent Mónica Villamizar, who is in Bogota.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Gustavo Petro, and what is his role?
- Where is Colombia in relation to Venezuela?
- What has Colombia's relationship with the United States been like in recent years?
- Why did the Trump administration develop a negative relationship with Petro and his government?
- How has the Trump administration threatened Colombia and Petro?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- After watching this segment, do you think the Trump administration policy toward Colombia is rooted in policy goals or dislike of its government? Why do you think so?
- What do you think are some similarities and differences between the Trump administration's approach to Venezuela and other Latin American countries such as Colombia? Why do you think the administration chose Venezuela to target?
Media literacy: Why do you think the producers of this segment asked a journalist on the ground to summarize Colombian popular opinion and attitudes rather than interview affected individuals, such as those in the Colombian government?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch the following short video about the reaction of people in Venezuela to the removal of Nicols Maduro. After watching, discuss —
- How do the people described in this segment seem to feel about the attack on their country and removal of their president?
- What seems to be the top concerns of people in Venezuela?
- After watching this segment and the one about Colombia that began this lesson, how do you think the Trump administration's actions will impact the future of South America and its relationship to the United States?
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