Americano What is the Donroe Doctrine's plan for Venezuela?
18 snips
Jan 3, 2026 
Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of The National Interest, digs deep into the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. They explore the strategic significance of Venezuela’s oil reserves and how this ties into America's foreign policy. Heilbrunn highlights the risks of regime change, the challenge of counterinsurgency, and the geopolitical implications for China and Iran. With a focus on Trump’s tactical style, they discuss who might govern Venezuela next and the broader ramifications for regional power dynamics.
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Operation Is Regime Change
- Jacob Heilbrunn argues Operation Absolute Resolve is plainly regime change despite official criminal charges.
- He warns Trump's claim "we're going to be running the country" creates a risky entanglement similar to Iraq.
Oil Motive Is Central
- Trump framed the Venezuela action in terms of oil and U.S. corporate investment in extracting it.
- Heilbrunn calls that approach "naked colonialism" and doubts quick restoration of Venezuela's oil output.
Donroe Doctrine: Reassert Hemispheric Control
- The hosts label Trump's hemispheric reassertion the "Donroe Doctrine": US spheres of influence in the Americas.
- The operation serves to evict Russian and Chinese influence and pressure Cuba, boosting allies like Marco Rubio.