Years of economic mismanagement by the socialist government have crippled the oil-rich nation with hyperinflation, shortages and misery. An estimated 4 million people — about 12% of the populace — have fled the South American country in just the last five years. Some simply disappear.
In 1984, Russian historian Suzanne Massie got a call she’ll never forget. President Ronald Reagan invited her to the White House to brief him on Russian history and culture. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of many years of advising the president.