The Duran Podcast Calm before the storm in Venezuela & Colombia w/ Patrick Lancaster and Angelo Giuliano
Dec 23, 2025
Angelo Giuliano, an independent journalist based in Caracas, and Patrick Lancaster, who reports from the Colombia-Venezuela border, dive into the geopolitical tensions shaping the region. They discuss the eerie calm in Caracas amid economic struggles and highlight the opposition's presence in affluent areas. Patrick shares insights into border tensions and the ELN's influence, while Angelo challenges drug-trafficking narratives. Both journalists emphasize the role of foreign powers like Cuba and Russia, warning of the broader implications of U.S. actions in the region.
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U.S. Strategy Targets Venezuelan Energy
- U.S. actions have shifted from claiming drug interdiction to openly targeting Venezuela's energy assets and sovereignty.
- Angelo Giuliano warns Washington seeks full control of Venezuelan resources, not just law enforcement outcomes.
Calm Caracas Amid Holiday And Security Measures
- Angelo Giuliano reports Caracas feels peaceful during Christmas with everyday concerns focused on inflation and currency conversion.
- He describes a visible heavy military presence only near the presidential palace and active suppression of some NGOs and foreign operatives.
Border Regions Function As A Frontier
- Colombia's border regions are fragmented and many areas are effectively controlled by armed groups, complicating any external intervention.
- Patrick Lancaster emphasizes the frontier mentality: locals see the border as a separate space affected by both sides' instability.