The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series War Crimes, Drugs, Venezuela, Pardons...and Dancing? || Peter Zeihan
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Dec 10, 2025 The podcast delves into the troubling intersection of U.S. military actions and potential war crimes related to cocaine smuggling in Venezuela. It discusses the implications of congressional oversight on military strikes and the lack of clear objectives. Peter critiques Trump's controversial pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez, highlighting inconsistencies in U.S. drug policy. Interesting insights into Maduro's unlikely rise to power, and his unexpected charisma, add a unique twist. The episode wraps up with suggestions for more effective anti-drug efforts.
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U.S. Strikes May Constitute War Crimes
- The U.S. military admitted to re-striking already-disabled cocaine boats, which meets the legal definition of a war crime under treaties.
- Peter Zeihan warns that public admission shifts the issue from denial to Congress-driven accountability and legal consequences.
Force Without A Clear Objective
- The administration assembled forces in the region before defining clear goals or presenting evidence to Congress.
- Zeihan highlights this rudderless posture risks prolonged entanglement without legal or strategic clarity.
Occupation Would Be Extremely Difficult
- Trump reportedly told Nicolás Maduro to leave and explored options including removal and occupation without clear planning.
- Zeihan notes occupation of Caracas would be as difficult as Iraq and could trigger mass famine without massive logistics.