Upstream [TEASER] Venezuela Pt. 4: The Empire vs. Venezuela w/ Jesus Rodriguez-Espinoza and Saheli Chowdhury
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Oct 28, 2025 In this discussion, Saheli Chowdhury, co-editor of Orinoco Tribune, and Jesus Rodriguez-Espinoza, founding editor and expert in Venezuelan politics, dive into the complexities of U.S. aggression towards Venezuela. They reveal alarming recent military buildups and their potential implications. The duo also traces the history of U.S. interventions and discusses Venezuelan responses, including the growth of community-led defense efforts. Their insights into the far-right's alignment with U.S. interests add another layer to this deeply engaging conversation.
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U.S. Forces Escalation Near Venezuela
- The U.S. has deployed substantial naval and air assets near Venezuela, signaling an unprecedented escalation.
- Jesús Rodríguez-Espinosa warns this scale raises genuine concern but not widespread panic among Venezuelans.
A Long Campaign Against Bolivarian Revolution
- U.S. efforts to overthrow the Bolivarian Revolution began with Chávez's rise in 1999 and include coups, strikes, sanctions, and mercenary incursions.
- Saheli Chowdhury outlines a continuous 25+ year campaign culminating in sanctions and repeated plots like Operation Gideon.
Mobilize People Power For Defense
- Enlist and train to broaden national defense: President Maduro expanded militia enrollment from 5 to 8 million.
- The government pairs militia, military drills, and communes to improve preparedness and territorial defense.