On Venezuela... (with Guerrilla History and Red Menace)

·1 hr 51 min·5 clips

The U.S. kidnaps Venezuela's elected president, Maduro, and Trump announces indefinite control over the country's oil.

This episode is a year-end collaboration between the hosts of Revolutionary Left Radio, Guerrilla History, and Red Menace, focusing on the breaking news of the U.S. kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The hosts introduce the event as a culmination of long-term U.S. subversion, with Trump announcing indefinite control over Venezuela's oil. Henry Hakamaki draws parallels to past U.S. kidnappings of foreign leaders like Haiti's Jean Bertrand Aristide, arguing this is continuous aggression against the Bolivarian Revolution. Brett O'Shea expands the analysis beyond oil, suggesting the move aims to consolidate hemispheric hegemony amid rising multipolarity and may be a prelude to conflict with Iran. Alison adds that the Bolivarian Revolution's decentralized commune system means resistance will persist beyond Maduro's capture. The conversation explores global reactions, noting support from EU liberals like Ursula von der Leyen and opposition from some far-right figures like Marine Le Pen. Henry critiques international institutions like FIFA and the UN for failing to challenge U.S. imperialism, using Russia's bans as a contrast. The hosts debate whether U.S. actions signal imperial decline or strength, with Alison arguing the erosion of liberal institutions like the UN indicates decline. Brett confronts troll comments defending the intervention, rejecting narratives about narco-terrorism or democratic legitimacy. The discussion shifts to broader themes, including the role of Russia and China in resisting imperialism, with Henry mentioning an upcoming interview with Ali Qadri on China's strategic calculations. Alison ties domestic organizing in the U.S. to anti-imperialism, emphasizing connections with immigrant communities. The episode concludes with reflections on key 2024 issues like climate change and immigration, and recommendations for listener engagement in local struggles.

As heard by us

A Venezuela discussion that broadens into a firm anti-imperialist political argument.

Venezuela becomes the starting point for a broader discussion of imperialism, anti-imperialist politics, and the difficult promise of revolutionary change.

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Want Venezuela placed inside a bigger conversation about resistance to imperial capitalism and revolutionary possibility?

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