Venezuela: How to Destroy a Nation (Ft. Benjamin Studebaker)

11 snips

Nov 15, 2025

Benjamin Studebaker, a political theorist and PhD from the University of Cambridge, discusses the complex situation in Venezuela. He explores the dynamics of petrol states and the historical rise and fall of leaders like Chávez and Maduro. The conversation delves into US aggression, the oil curse, and the unique political pressures faced by these nations. Studebaker also analyzes the implications of sanctions, the Pentagon's war strategy, and the often-overlooked structural traps affecting the Global South.

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INSIGHT

Territory Makes Oil Political

Petrol states tie wealth to territory, making military control politically central and economically decisive.
That territoriality pressures leaders to spend oil revenue immediately rather than invest for long-term diversification.

INSIGHT

Oil Revenue Discourages Diversification

Petrol regimes often use oil revenue to buy off their support base, which discourages economic diversification.
Permanent social programs tied to volatile oil prices create fiscal instability and hyperinflation risk.

INSIGHT

Shale Shifted Geopolitical Leverage

Shale oil in the U.S. and Canada reduced reliance on traditional petrol states and changed U.S. leverage over them.
Changes in global supply altered when and how the U.S. applies pressure to countries like Venezuela.

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