This border between Colombia and Venezuela is one of the most active and vibrant places you can find, even on a January 3rd like today. That is why this absence of noise—of motorcycles, of commerce—is understood here as proof that Venezuelans, who come daily to shop in the city of Cúcuta, are waiting to see what will happen in their country. Colombia is the country most affected by what happens in Venezuela. One third of the eight million migrants who left the country are on this side of the border. Whatever happens in Venezuela will show its first consequences here. That is why it is important to understand the context of this border. Over the last decade, illegal armed groups have proliferated, gained influence, and become more professional. Here, there are guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, and drug traffickers who are stronger than ever, and now it is likely that they will act as authorities or enter into conflict with one another. This is something we have already seen here in previous years. It is what usually happens when power structures are shaken in a country without institutions or the rule of law. And it is what may happen in Venezuela if there is no robust plan for a transition of power following Maduro’s capture.