The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Trump/Venezuela -- Be Worried Canada, Be Very Worried
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Jan 5, 2026 
In this intriguing discussion, Janice Stein, a political scientist and director at the Munk School, delves into the implications of a U.S. operation in Venezuela. She argues that Canada should be worried about America's assertiveness and outlines the successful intelligence efforts behind the raid. Stein emphasizes the potential regional fallout, the challenges for neighboring countries, and the implications of Trump's motives tied to oil and geopolitics. The conversation also touches on international reactions, particularly from Russia and Iran, raising the stakes for global diplomacy.
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U.S. Power Projection In The Hemisphere
- Janice Stein warns Trump's Venezuela operation was a stark assertion of U.S. power in the Western Hemisphere.
- She says the message signals to neighbors that the U.S. could act similarly elsewhere, raising Canadian alarm.
Precision Military Capability Matters
- Stein calls the military operation technically brilliant, combining deep intelligence with elite special forces.
- She stresses such capabilities make Trump's threats partially credible to regional governments.
Oil Motive, But Unrealistic Timelines
- The raid's framing emphasized oil and resource aims, though Stein says promises to quickly restore Venezuelan oil are unrealistic.
- She compares reconstruction to Iraq, noting decades-long timelines and major investment needs.