Cedice Libertad and Relial Launch Essay Contest for Youth on Carlos Rangel's Work

Cedice Libertad, in partnership with the Liberal Network of Latin America (Red Liberal de América Latina - Relial) and Atlas Network, is spearheading an important initiative to foster critical thinking among Venezuelan youth. The organizations have launched an essay contest that delves into the enduring relevance of Carlos Rangel's influential book, "Del buen salvaje al buen revolucionario," which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This contest is designed to engage young minds, both within Venezuela and in the diaspora, with Rangel's profound analysis of Latin American political thought.

The book, first published in 1976, represented a significant departure from the prevailing dogmas of its time. Rangel's work is vital for understanding Venezuela and the broader region because it dismantles the narrative of external blame for underdevelopment, placing responsibility on internal institutions and values. It critically dissects populism, exposing how the myth of the "good savage" is manipulated by "good revolutionaries" to consolidate power and erode individual freedoms. Furthermore, Rangel's text serves as a crucial mirror for modernity, helping to explain why some nations thrive while others remain trapped in cycles of economic crisis and messianic leadership.

This essay contest is more than just an academic exercise; it's an invitation for the next generation to engage with ideas that challenge traditional myths and encourage a forward-looking perspective on the region's future. Cedice Libertad, known for its commitment to promoting free markets and individual liberty, sees this as a critical step in empowering young Venezuelans with the intellectual tools to analyze their reality and contribute to a more prosperous and free society. The contest offers substantial rewards, including financial prizes and publication opportunities, with the first-place winner invited to the Relial Congress in Medellín, Colombia. As Rangel himself famously stated, "The success of nations is not a miracle, it is the result of freedom and effort," a sentiment this initiative seeks to amplify.

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El éxito de las naciones no es un milagro, es el resultado de la libertad y el esfuerzo