Economist Podcasts Nicolás caged: what next for Venezuela?
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Jan 5, 2026 
Join Shashank Joshi, a defense expert, as he analyzes the tactical execution of the US raid in Venezuela aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro. Hal Hodson, America's editor, delves into the political implications of the raid and US motivations rooted in power and oil. Tom Wainwright discusses the gaming industry's recent slump, the anticipated impact of GTA 6 on market trends, and how AI could revolutionize game development. Together, they explore the complex intersection of international politics and modern gaming.
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US Raid Shows Military Skill, Not Political Certainty
- The US executed a complex, clinical special-forces raid to seize Nicolás Maduro, signalling sharper hemispheric intent.
- The operation shows military capability but raises questions about long-term political outcomes.
Scale And Precision Of The Operation
- The operation involved months of planning, 150+ aircraft and elite units like Delta Force and the 160th Aviation Regiment.
- Such precision underlines US reach but also the risk that tactical success won't translate into stable governance.
Military Wins Aren't Political Guarantees
- Military decapitation doesn't guarantee political victory; regimes have resilient institutions and factions.
- Past US interventions show rapid military wins can still fail politically over the long term.