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On today’s episode of Loud & Clear, Brian Becker is joined by Francisco Dominguez, head of the Centre for Brazilian and Latin American Studies at Middlesex University.

Venezuela’s right-wing opposition carried out an illegal referendum on Sunday while the government held a dry run for the upcoming constituent assembly election. The opposition vote included several questions -- including one to authorize a coup against President Nicolas Maduro, and now the opposition is planning a general strike in an effort to shut down the country on Thursday.

Ahead of a high level diplomatic meeting in Washington, Russia has rejected any pre-conditions for the return of its diplomatic compounds that were seized in the last days of the Obama administration. Where are U.S.-Russia relations headed? Author and analyst Daniel Lazare joins Brian.

Is French President Emmanuel Macron looking to exploit Britain’s departure from the European Union to weaken its financial sector? As negotiations resume this week, it’s France that has taken the most aggressive position toward the UK. Independent journalist Steve Topple joins the show