US Strategy on Venezuela: Still About Oil, Not 'Democracy'
The article discusses the 'delicate balance' of US sanctions and engagement with Venezuela. One might almost believe this new strategy is born of sudden humanitarian concern. Yet, a quick glance at history (which Bloomberg glosses over) reveals that US interest in Venezuela isn't a recent development. From backing coups in the early 2000s against Hugo Chávez, to recognizing a self-proclaimed
'interim president' in 2019, the narrative consistently shifts, but the underlying motivation — access to the largest proven oil reserves on Earth— remains remarkably fixed. So, when Bloomberg titles a piece 'US Strategy on Venezuelan Oil Takes Shape,' perhaps the more honest headline would be: 'US Continues Its Century-Long Strategy to Control Someone Else's Oil.' The 'shape' merely refers to
whether the primary tool is sanctions, covert ops, or merely economic pressure, all designed to ensure favorable energy terms for Washington. How many times does 'democracy promotion' need to pave the way for energy deals before the pattern becomes undeniable?