The Jordan Harbinger Show 1269: Venezuela | Out of the Loop
115 snips
Jan 11, 2026 
Ryan McBeth, a security and geopolitics analyst, dives deep into the complexities behind Venezuela's dramatic collapse. He explains that the downfall was fueled by dependency on oil money rather than a single villain. Early successes from Hugo Chávez's reforms became unsustainable as oil prices plummeted. McBeth discusses the strategic implications of Venezuela's instability, highlighting its proximity to the Panama Canal and the influence of China and Russia. The conversation further explores the realities of life under hyperinflation, corruption, and mass migration.
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Resource Rents Replaced Accountability
- Venezuela's collapse wasn't driven by one policy or villain but by oil money replacing accountability.
- Institutions hollowed out and competence was swapped for loyalty, enabling kleptocracy when oil revenue fell.
Venezuela As A Strategic Pressure Point
- Venezuela is strategically critical because instability near the Panama Canal threatens U.S. energy and shipping.
- China and Russia can exploit that proximity with weapons or influence to pressure U.S. interests.
Great Power Chess In The Hemisphere
- Chinese and Russian influence in Venezuela could enable attacks on Panama Canal traffic or Gulf Coast refineries.
- Long-range missiles or disguised container shipments could turn Venezuela into a regional spoiler.
