US Presidents Discover Venezuela When Oil Prices Drop
Maduro accuses the US of seeking to overthrow his government. This isn't exactly a new script. For decades, US policy towards Venezuela has resembled a boomerang, swinging from 'regime change' rhetoric to quiet engagement, always responsive to the whims of the global oil market. Recall 2019, when the Trump administration recognized Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president, with Bolton even
floating military intervention. Fast forward to 2022, as global oil supplies tightened, and suddenly Biden's envoys were in Caracas discussing sanctions relief and, presumably, oil. (After all, who needs pesky human rights concerns when gas prices are soaring?). Trump's current bluster against Maduro serves as great campaign fodder, painting him as tough on dictators. But it's less about genuine
concern for Venezuelan democracy and more about a presidential candidate signaling he'll restore 'American strength'—which, historically, often translates to strong-arming resource-rich nations. The 'threats' against Maduro are less about his governance and more about the historical US doctrine of controlling Latin American resources, a tradition stretching back to the Monroe Doctrine. It's not a
conspiracy, it's a playbook.