American Prestige Bonus - Regime Change in Venezuela w/ Gabriel Hetland (Preview)
Jan 4, 2026
Gabriel Hetland discusses the U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, highlighting the unexpected success and boldness of the action. The conversation delves into how sustained sanctions and political maneuvers created an environment for intervention. They also explore the implications of U.S. tanker seizures, framing them as acts of piracy, and the fragility of the Pink Tide in Latin America post-Chávez. Additionally, the potential for a renewed leftist wave and what this means for future U.S. policy in the region are examined.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Maduro's Resilience And Sudden Vulnerability
- Maduro maintained power for years despite sanctions, protests, and internal rumors, showing resilience of his hold on the military and state institutions.
- The recent operation's success reveals new vulnerabilities in previously solid regimes and shifts assumptions about U.S. reach in the hemisphere.
Economic Warfare Preceded Direct Action
- U.S. pressure combined economic warfare (sanctions, tanker seizures) and political tactics to isolate Venezuela and escalate stress on Maduro's inner circle.
- The timing around recent tanker seizures likely influenced the decision to pursue a direct operation when other levers seemed to stall.
Boat Bombings And Political Motives
- Speakers tied the boat bombing and immigration hysteria in the U.S. to domestic politics and deportation agendas under Trump.
- They connected Marco Rubio's long-term push for regime change in Cuba to U.S. policy toward Venezuela.