This thesis analyzes the political responses of Ecuador and Bolivia to the economic crisis in Venezuela. The primary question I have sought to answer is why the Ecuadorian and Bolivian governments have realigned politically or continue to embrace Hugo Chávez’s Bolivarian policies. Ecuador and Bolivia were among many countries that elected leftist populist leaders influenced by Chávez’s success and are among the few Latin American countries that still have a leftist government. Methods used are the analysis of political reforms and legislation, and public statements of leaders. This thesis demonstrates that Ecuador has distanced itself from its institutional alliances with Venezuela as a result of an economic downturn and the emergence of corruption scandals but continues to implement leftist policies, while Bolivia is still benefiting from a natural gas boom and has done little to change course considering Venezuela’s economic demise.