Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber The Coup in Venezuela
Jan 14, 2026
Gabriel Hetland, an expert in Latin American politics and author of the essay 'From Chávez to Maduro,' dives deep into the recent abduction of Nicolás Maduro and its implications. He discusses the audacious nature of the U.S. operation and the internal dynamics that might have facilitated it. The conversation touches on Delcy Rodríguez’s precarious position, the complexities of military loyalties, and the collapse of Venezuela's oil industry. Hetland also highlights the potential for leftist backlash in Latin America stemming from these events.
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Stunningly Open U.S. Imperial Escalation
- The U.S. operation to capture Nicolás Maduro is an unprecedented, brazen display of imperialism.
- Gabriel Hetland frames it as a major escalation that reveals U.S. aims in the hemisphere.
Smooth Raid Raises Collusion Questions
- The raid's smoothness suggests possible internal collusion but also involved real fighting and casualties.
- Hetland emphasizes ongoing uncertainty while noting reports of planted agents and months of discussions between sides.
Coercion And Convergence On Oil Policy
- Delcy Rodríguez is complying partly under coercion, including explicit threats from Trump.
- Hetland also notes she aligns with Maduro on giving U.S. access to Venezuela's oil, so policy concessions are not wholly new.
