What will Trump's tough stance towards Maduro achieve?

·12 min·1 clip

The US now recognizes Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader, escalating pressure on President Maduro's regime.

The episode begins by framing the Venezuela crisis as under unprecedented pressure, triggered by the US recognizing Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader. Jonathan Wheatley explains that this is the immediate cause but builds on a long-term crisis marked by economic mismanagement. He details how oil production has slumped from 3.5 million barrels daily under Hugo Chavez to just over 1 million, leading to dollar shortages and severe food and medicine scarcities. The discussion turns to why the US acted now, with speculation that it offers President Trump a foreign policy opportunity amid domestic challenges. International support is split, with the UK freezing Venezuelan gold and European countries conditionally backing the opposition, while Russia, China, and Mexico support Maduro. Gideon Long reports from Colombia on domestic unrest in Venezuela, noting protests over basic needs like water and electricity rather than purely political issues. He highlights that the military remains largely loyal to Maduro, with key generals backing him and few defections despite some discontent. The episode explores the financial aspect, with US sanctions cutting off Venezuela's oil sales to the US, which account for over half its exports and generate crucial revenue. Wheatley notes that without this income, the regime's hold on power becomes more precarious, though it has survived previous revenue drops. Long warns that losing US oil sales could worsen the refugee crisis, impacting neighboring countries like Colombia and Peru. The conversation concludes by examining Venezuela's role in polarizing Latin America ideologically, with left-wing governments historically supporting Maduro due to anti-American sentiments, while right-wing leaders like Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro oppose him. The episode ends by noting this story will continue to develop in coming weeks.

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