URI Political Science Professor Meg Frost was quoted in a recent article from The Washington Post: “Quakes give U.S. opportunity to transform Venezuela from foe to friend”

The story examines how U.S. disaster relief following devastating earthquakes in Venezuela could reshape relations between Washington and Caracas. Frost emphasized that aid can either build or weaken public trust depending on how it is delivered. “Aid is double-edged,” Frost told The Washington Post. “It rebuilds trust only when it signals a government that is both competent and honest. In a low-trust, high-corruption setting, relief delivered [or not] through an opaque process can deepen distrust instead.”