Today, Explained

What’s next for Venezuela

119 snips
Jan 5, 2026
Ana Vanessa Herrero, a freelance reporter in Caracas, shares her firsthand insights on the chaos following Maduro's capture, detailing public shock and the complexities of daily life amid safety fears. Historian Greg Grandin provides a compelling analysis of U.S. interventions in Latin America, discussing the motives behind such actions and their historical context. The conversation also touches on the dangerous implications for regional sovereignty and how Trump’s rhetoric signals potential shifts in U.S. policy towards other Latin American nations.
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ANECDOTE

Shock And Everyday Survival In Caracas

  • Ana Vanessa Herrero describes Caracas waking to bombings and Maduro's sudden capture, leaving citizens shocked and unsure what comes next.
  • People scrambled for food and water while debating whether Delcy Rodríguez would be formally installed as interim president.
ANECDOTE

Calm Streets, High Anxiety

  • Herrero reports surprising calm in the streets after the attack, with no visible military or police presence and people returning to malls and stores cautiously.
  • Many Venezuelans remain anxious, stocking essentials and sleeping poorly while waiting to see what happens next.
INSIGHT

Unexpected Pivot From A Chávez Ally

  • Delcy Rodríguez has been a long-standing leftist and ally of Chávez and Maduro, making her sudden conciliatory tone toward the U.S. surprising to many Venezuelans.
  • Herrero suggests threats and internal maneuvers could explain her abrupt shift, fueling speculation about her role in Maduro's removal.
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