The NewsWorthy Special Edition: Venezuela, U.S. Power, & What Comes Next
Jan 10, 2026
Ambassador Kevin Whitaker, a seasoned U.S. diplomat and expert on Latin American affairs, discusses the international ramifications of Nicolás Maduro's potential arrest. He highlights the unusual precedent this sets for U.S. military intervention in the hemisphere. Whitaker also delves into the complexities of U.S. interests in Venezuelan oil, the challenges of enacting fair elections, and the risks of imposing opposition leaders. He emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term impacts on regional security and global collaborations.
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U.S. Willingness To Use Force In Hemisphere
- The U.S. used military force to execute an arrest of a foreign head of state, which is unusual but not unprecedented.
- This signals the administration is willing to use force in its hemisphere to achieve stated goals.
Action Reinforces Sphere-Of-Influence Logic
- The move reinforces a sphere-of-influence worldview that other powers can cite to justify their own regional actions.
- Whitaker warns it aligns neatly with Russian and Chinese narratives about regional dominance.
Legal Limits Are Murky And Hard To Enforce
- Legal questions split into U.S. domestic law (War Powers) and international law with limited enforcement.
- Whitaker notes historical presidential use of force complicates courtroom or congressional challenges.