The Last Word with Matt Cooper Venezuela's Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Wins Nobel Peace Prize
Oct 10, 2025
In a riveting discussion, Larry Donnelly, a law lecturer at the University of Galway and columnist, dives into the implications of María Corina Machado winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. He highlights her brave activism against Maduro and the complexities of her current situation in hiding. The conversation touches on U.S. actions in Venezuela, the political optics surrounding Trump’s Nobel nomination, and the broader ramifications of labeling political opponents as threats. Donnelly raises crucial points about the criteria for the prize and how international engagement affects such accolades.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Machado's Democratic Stand
- María Corina Machado is celebrated for standing up to Nicolás Maduro and championing democracy in Venezuela.
- Larry Donnelly says her relentless opposition forced her into hiding yet made her an eminently worthy Nobel recipient.
Controversy And Courage Combined
- Machado fought electoral denial and corruption and continues to risk reprisals from the Maduro regime.
- Donnelly notes some find her views controversial, including admiration for Margaret Thatcher and support for Israel.
U.S. Role Adds Ambiguity
- U.S. actions in Venezuela under Trump include aggressive moves like targeting boats and hinting at troop deployments.
- Donnelly calls those moves appalling and highlights ambiguity in Machado praising Trump upon receiving the award.