Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words Victor Davis Hanson: Trump’s Impending Venezuela Quagmire
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Dec 5, 2025 Victor Davis Hanson discusses the complexities surrounding U.S. military actions in Venezuela, debating the legality of targeting drug-running vessels. He examines the implications of large U.S. forces offshore and critiques the concept of micromanaging military operations. Conversations also touch on immigration policies, the socio-political consequences of large-scale immigration, and Victor's upcoming book about Trump. With insights into historical wartime executions and the risks of misinformation in the media, this episode is both engaging and thought-provoking.
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Combat Status Blurs Prisoner Line
- Victor explains the legal and moral ambiguity when striking armed drug-running boats in ongoing kinetic operations.
- He argues survivors aboard a still-hostile vessel are not necessarily 'prisoners' once the engagement is active and peril persists.
Forward Posture Creates Escalation Trap
- Hanson warns that deploying large naval and air assets near Venezuela commits U.S. prestige and risks a protracted test of will.
- He cautions rapid forward posture can force escalation choices with unclear next steps if Caracas resists or waits out sanctions.
Historical Analogies Clarify Rules Of Engagement
- Hanson compares wartime ambiguities to historical cases where combatants who can no longer fight were still targeted to prevent future threat.
- He emphasizes the law treats ongoing kinetic engagements differently than custody of prisoners.
