People thought 2011 was “The Year of the Protestor,” but it seems like 2014 might be challenging that title.

From Turkey and Bosnia, to Ukraine and Russia, protests are becoming the hallmark of 2014–and we’re only 2 months in. Adding to this protest bonanza is Venezuela, where demonstrators have intensified pressure on President Nicholas Maduro, Hugo Chavez’s handpicked successor.

Angry with myriad chronic issues–such as high inflation, violent crime, and limited basic resources–people have taken to the streets of Venezuela’s cities. The movement began in the far West, but has now spread to Caracas, in the North, despite the fact that the national media is not covering the conflict.

As the maladies mount for Maduro, his response has been to deploy the national guard to prevent “fascist” elements from overwhelming the country.

His harsh response has left around 12 people dead, and has caused the governor of Táchira state, the epicenter of the demonstrations, to denounce the government’s actions. This high-level dissent in Venezuela is extremely rare, and could indicate the that country’s political atmosphere has changed dramatically with Maduro’s assent.

With Maduro struggling to keep control of the protests and the government, it seems as if Venezula might be going the way of Ukraine.

We here at USDemocrazy, would like to know if you foresee 2014 being the next “Year of the Protestor.” Will change come to Venezuela, and will violence there escalate?