Economist Podcasts Ven and the art of hemispheric maintenance: America’s national-security posture
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Dec 11, 2025 
Aaron Connolly, Asia diplomatic editor at The Economist, dives into the U.S. national-security strategy's focus on hemispheric dominance, discussing the implications of recent actions like the seizure of a Venezuelan tanker. Vinjeru Mkandawire, news editor, highlights the long-term effects of remote work on American cities, revealing how it strains municipal budgets and alters housing markets. Meanwhile, Gareth Brown, Middle East correspondent, explains why Pepsi has outperformed Coca-Cola in the region, linking its success to strategic partnerships and historical politics.
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Hemispheric Preeminence As Strategy
- The new US national-security strategy prioritises hemispheric preeminence, signalling a focus on Latin America and political influence in Europe.
- Aaron Connolly warns this shift could provoke resentment in Latin America and unsettle European allies.
Shift From Global Rivalry To Regional Control
- The strategy promises redeployment of US forces to keep America "top dog" in Latin America and to back right-wing European parties.
- Connolly notes it softens its rhetoric on China compared with 2017, suggesting shifting priorities.
Seizure Could Be Bluff Or Escalation
- The tanker seizure could be a first step toward escalation or a bluff to unseat Nicolás Maduro.
- Connolly says the president's personal read of the document matters most for whether it becomes policy.