The Jacob Shapiro Podcast For My Friends, Everything; For My Enemies, The Law
Jan 9, 2026
Elohim Monard, a keen commentator on Latin American politics, shares his insights on Venezuela’s turbulent landscape. He highlights U.S. actions as not just regime change but an assertion of dominance, making Venezuela a potential resource colony. The conversation dives into ideological divides in the region, questioning whether recent moves indicate a shift towards chaos or a peaceful transition. Monard also discusses implications for surrounding nations like Peru and hints at Cuba being next on the U.S. radar.
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Chávez’s Warning Is Now Material
- Hugo Chávez's longstanding warning that 'the U.S. is coming for our oil' now feels materially true in Venezuela.
- Elohim Monard argues this shift turns old leftist rhetoric into contemporary geopolitical reality.
Pragmatic Resource-First Imperialism
- U.S. actions in Venezuela signal a pragmatic, resource-focused form of imperialism similar to the British model.
- Monard says the U.S. cares primarily about extracting resources rather than transforming regimes' ideologies.
Ideological Fractures Reawakened
- Venezuela's crisis reignites long-standing ideological fractures across Latin America between left and right.
- Monard notes the episode validates leftist fears of U.S. intervention while enabling center-right governments to support Trump's moves.