The Intelligence from The Economist Nicolás caged: what next for Venezuela?
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Jan 5, 2026 
Shishang Joshi, the Defense editor, delves into the complexities of the U.S. special-forces raid to capture Nicolás Maduro, comparing it to past military operations. Hal Hodson, America's editor, analyzes the political consequences of the operation and the U.S. motives, including power dynamics related to oil. Tom Wainwright, the Media editor, discusses the gaming industry's slowdown post-pandemic, the anticipated impact of GTA 6, and how AI could revolutionize game development while presenting potential risks.
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Raid Signals Hemispheric Ambition
- The US raid to seize Nicolás Maduro signalled an assertive drive for hemispheric dominance.
- Military precision does not guarantee long-term political success in Venezuela.
Midnight Capture By Delta Force
- Delta Force snatched Maduro and his wife from their compound after helicopter insertions just after 2 a.m. local time.
- At least one helicopter was hit and troops reported bullet and shrapnel wounds, showing how close the raid came to disaster.
Military Success Is Not Political Victory
- Military skill on day one often masks the deeper political and diplomatic work needed afterwards.
- Past interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq show quick military wins can fail to secure long-term stability.