I am a German-American sociologist (Ph.D. Brandeis University) and freelance writer, who lives in New York City, USA. Also, I helped found and edit (with others) the website www.venezuelanalysis.com, a site that provides regular news and analysis on Venezuelan society and politics. My most recent book is Changing Venezuela by Taking Power: The Policies of the Chavez Government (Verso Books, 2007). I currently work as adjunct professor of political science at Brooklyn College's Graduate Center for Worker Education.