In 2009 this leader gave Barack Obama the book “Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent”

On the December 23, 2024, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue in the category “World Leaders” was: “In 2009 this leader gave Barack Obama the book Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent.”

Who is Hugo Chavez?

Hugo Chávez, the President of Venezuela from 1999 until his death in 2013, made headlines during the 2009 Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago when he presented a copy of Eduardo Galeano’s book, Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent, to U.S. President Barack Obama. The gift was a symbolic gesture, highlighting Chávez’s critique of Western imperialism and his advocacy for Latin American unity and independence from historical exploitation.

The book itself, first published in 1971, explores the history of colonial and neo-colonial exploitation in Latin America, documenting the economic and political consequences of resource extraction by European powers and later the United States. Chávez’s decision to gift this book underscored his political philosophy and his alignment with the broader “Pink Tide” movement of leftist governments in South America at the time.

Chávez’s Role in Latin American Politics

Hugo Chávez was a polarizing figure in international politics, known for his socialist policies, fiery rhetoric, and opposition to U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere. As a leader, he championed economic reforms that prioritized wealth redistribution and social welfare programs, funded largely by Venezuela’s oil revenues. However, his presidency also faced criticism for authoritarian tendencies, economic mismanagement, and human rights concerns.

The gesture of gifting Galeano’s book was in line with Chávez’s efforts to position himself as a vocal advocate for Latin American sovereignty. It also symbolized his attempt to challenge what he viewed as U.S. dominance in global and regional affairs. This moment became a defining snapshot of Chávez’s diplomatic style: confrontational yet rich in symbolism.

Barack Obama’s Reaction and the Global Response

President Obama accepted the book graciously, with a brief acknowledgment of the gesture. At the time, he was still early in his presidency and navigating relationships with leaders from diverse political backgrounds. The moment was widely covered in the media, sparking discussions about the dynamics between the United States and Latin American nations during Obama’s administration.

The incident also led to a surge in interest in Open Veins of Latin America, which briefly rose to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list in the United States. While Chávez’s critics dismissed the gift as a publicity stunt, others viewed it as a clever way to bring attention to issues of historical and economic justice in the Americas.

Legacy of the Event

This exchange between Chávez and Obama exemplifies the complex relationships between the U.S. and Latin America in the early 21st century. It highlighted the tensions between the region’s push for self-determination and the long history of external influence.

Today, the moment is often remembered as a symbolic act of resistance by Chávez and a reminder of the enduring legacies of colonialism and imperialism in shaping global politics. For Jeopardy! fans, it served as a compelling piece of trivia, tying together history, literature, and international relations.