The Munk Debates Podcast Munk Dialogue with Andrew Coyne: Trump's hard power doctrine alienates allies and sets a destabilizing precedent
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Jan 6, 2026 
Journalist Andrew Coyne shares his sharp insights on Trump's recent military actions in Venezuela, questioning the chaotic motives behind such decisions. He critiques the administration's reliance on hard power, warning it undermines America's global influence and erodes the legitimacy of military force. The conversation explores the potential for a prolonged insurgency in Venezuela and the risks of reigniting 19th-century great power politics. Coyne also reflects on the political implications for figures like Pierre Poilievre amid shifting voter sentiments.
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Raid Shows Spectacle Over Strategy
- Andrew Coyne argues the Venezuela raid reflects chaotic, venal motives rather than a coherent grand strategy.
- He warns the operation lacked planning for aftermath and relies on spectacle over policy.
Sardonic Motives And Possible Deals
- Coyne offers sardonic possible motives: personal offense at Maduro's dancing and envy over a Nobel prize.
- He also references Fiona Hill's claim of a Trump–Putin arrangement as another plausible backstory.
Military Success ≠ Strategic Wisdom
- Coyne notes the U.S. military can execute high-skill operations but that alone doesn't make them wise policy.
- He stresses these actions often avoid hard, long-term commitments against major adversaries like China or Russia.