The Sword & The Trowel TS&TT: Pastoral and Geo-political Reflections on Venezuela
Jan 8, 2026
Brandon Weichert, a geopolitical analyst and Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest, dives deep into the complexities of Venezuela's political landscape. He breaks down the January 3rd raid in Caracas, highlighting the U.S. tactical success versus the enduring strength of Maduro's regime. The discussion explores the tripolar geopolitical dynamics involving the U.S., Russia, and China, along with the ethical implications of intervention. Weichert also addresses the challenges of Venezuelan oil exploitation, the long-term risks of regime change, and the church's role in these political matters.
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Declined Invitation Over Safety Fears
- Brandon Weichert was invited to witness operations in Venezuela but declined, partly due to safety concerns and his wife's opposition.
- He suspected such an operation could 'end up like Maduro' for him personally.
Tactical Success, Strategic Limits
- The U.S. executed a precise tactical raid that captured Maduro and his wife without U.S. casualties.
- The operation was limited and did not immediately collapse the Venezuelan regime or secure its assets.
Power Vacuum May Empower Hardliners
- Removing Maduro temporarily empowered other hardline figures inside the regime like Delcy Rodriguez and Padrino López.
- The raid may have strengthened the regime's internal hardliners rather than produced cooperative partners.
