Advertisement
US-Venezuela conflict
OpinionLetters

Letters | The strategic calculations behind Trump’s Venezuela raid

Readers discuss the objectives of the US raid on Venezuela, why the episode pleases China and Russia, and how to help Shenzhen shine as a global city

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with oil executives in the East Room of the White House in Washington on January 9. Trump aims to convince them to support his plans for Venezuela. Photo: AFP
Letters
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words
The capture of Nicolas Maduro may be the epitome of Donald Trump’s strategic calculations. The raid was a warning that the United States can project power anywhere, anytime with overwhelming force and conclusiveness. It is regaining control over its own backyard, where China has been gaining ground over several US administrations.

Far from a “war for oil”, this was a strategy for protecting America. Venezuela has been a significant transit hub for cocaine and the Trump administration’s action was about bringing Maduro for justice, saving American lives and showing drug cartels there is no impunity.

Advertisement

Illegal migration is also being addressed by tackling the root cause. About 8 million Venezuelans fled Maduro’s chaos over the past decade, with many heading to the US. With Maduro gone, Venezuelans have a chance to rebuild their country, reducing the migration wave. This approach was about fixing the problem at source rather than reacting at the border.

The Monroe Doctrine is reborn as the “Donroe” doctrine, with American hegemony established in the western hemisphere. It means keeping Chinese firms away from critical resources, preventing Russian military basing arrangements and ensuring governments do not threaten the US.
Advertisement

America does not need Venezuela’s oil. US production reached a record high of 13.6 million barrels a day last year. Venezuela produces about 1 million a day. Trump has said American firms will rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x