The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series The Beginning of Venezuela's End || Peter Zeihan
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Dec 25, 2025 A naval blockade has begun affecting Venezuela's critical oil export ports, marking a significant shift in the region's political landscape. With exports dropping to zero, the nation's economy faces a devastating collapse, risking widespread food riots and escalating unrest. The discussion highlights the strategic importance of Port Jose and the potential long-term loss of Venezuelan oil, which could ripple through global energy markets. There's also a warning about rising tensions due to Venezuela's heavy armament, complicating efforts for stabilization.
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Blockade Intends To Cut Off Regime Funding
- Peter Zeihan says the U.S. has begun a formal naval blockade to stop Venezuela from earning foreign currency from oil exports.
- This move aims to rapidly starve the regime of funds that sustain governance and food imports.
Geography Makes Venezuela Vulnerable
- Venezuela's exports flow through three main ports with disconnected pipeline networks, making some export routes easy to interdict.
- Cutting exports from about one million barrels per day would eliminate roughly 90% of the country's hard-currency earnings.
Oil Loss Will Trigger Rapid Humanitarian Collapse
- Without oil revenue Venezuela will quickly lose the ability to import ~80% of its food, triggering food riots within days.
- Zeihan warns the regime will likely start cracking and societal breakdown could follow in months.