Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy

#1762 Trump's Imperialistic Shakedown of Venezuela

5 snips

Jan 3, 2026

Guest

Panel Commentator (comedic/analytical voice)

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Historian / Regional Expert (Alexander Avina-style)

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Alexander Main / CEPR-style commentator

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Ian Gadigoke (Nigeria analyst)

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Venezuelan Analyst / Activist (Andrey/Andrina voice)

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Investigative Reporter (The Intercept-style)

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Congressional Representative (Democratic)

A Democratic Congress Representative criticizes the administration's strikes on Venezuela, calling for transparency and oversight. An investigative reporter reveals the legal implications of 'double-tap' strikes, raising concerns over potential extrajudicial killings. A Venezuelan activist discusses the impacts of sanctions and grassroots resistance to U.S. pressure. Meanwhile, experts decode Trump's motives linked to oil and geopolitical strategies, while a historian contextualizes U.S. interventions in Latin America, evoking historical warnings against imperialism.

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INSIGHT

Imperialism As A Wealth Pump

Imperialism functions as a wealth pump that extracts resources from one country to enrich another.
Jay Tomlinson frames means, motive, and opportunity as the core mechanics that make modern imperialism possible.

INSIGHT

Oil Motive Drives Venezuela Escalation

Trump openly linked U.S. actions in the Caribbean to reclaiming Venezuelan oil and resources.
Panelists connect his rhetoric to a revived Monroe Doctrine and strategic rivalry with China.

INSIGHT

Double-Tap Strike And Legal Risks

The Intercept-style reporter documents a double-tap strike that killed survivors under U.S. surveillance.
Experts argue follow-up strikes on shipwrecked survivors are illegal and amount to extrajudicial killings.

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