The Threat from Venezuela

The Trump administration has grasped a strategic reality that eluded the Obama and Biden administrations: the United States faces a direct threat from hostile powers in Latin America that work in concert with our adversaries across Eurasia. As the lone U.S. adversary to have favorable relations and deep strategic partnerships with nearly every single hostile actor, state or non-state, across the world, Venezuela is of great strategic importance.

Although Venezuela receives less cash support from China than it did in the early 2010s, Beijing remains a key financial backer for Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Russia provides military and intelligence support alongside Cuba. At this point, Maduro survives physically because of mercenaries backed by the Russian Wagner Group and Cuban intelligence officers. Caracas also has links with North Korean intelligence.