The Dig Venezuela w/ Alejandro Velasco, Gabriel Hetland, Yoletty Bracho
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Jan 6, 2026 
Alejandro Velasco, a Latin American historian, Gabriel Hetland, a professor of Latin American Studies, and Yoletty Bracho, a political science expert, explore the U.S. assault on Venezuela and the implications of President Maduro's kidnapping. They discuss Trump's imperialist motives, the role of expatriate opposition in shaping narratives, and fears of authoritarian rule in Venezuela. The panel delves into the complexities of Venezuelan politics, migration, and the symbolism of oil, while considering potential backlash across Latin America.
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Expat Narratives Enabled U.S. Escalation
- Expat opposition narratives helped make Trump’s escalation possible by prefiguring claims of narco-terrorism and mass criminal migration.
- Alejandro Velasco argues these narratives laid discursive groundwork later enacted by the Trump administration.
Regional Far Right Lowers Diplomatic Costs
- The far right’s international rise reduced costs of imperial action by lowering expected diplomatic backlash.
- Yoletty Bracho links regional rightward shifts to weaker sanctions and international consequences.
Domestic Politics Drove Timing Of Intervention
- Trump’s Venezuela operation mixes immigration politics, Rubio’s anti-left agenda, and Trump’s distraction needs into one campaign.
- Gabriel Hetland emphasizes anti-immigrant domestic politics and personal scandals shaping timing.
