ChinaTalk Second Breakfast: Venezuela, Shutdowns, PE + Army, E.B. Sledge
12 snips
Oct 23, 2025 
Justin McIntosh, a foreign policy expert, Brian Clark, a retired submariner, and Eric Robinson, a former Army officer, discuss a range of gripping subjects. They dive into the complex U.S. naval presence near Venezuela and the implications of military shutdowns on operations. The conversation reveals risks involving private equity's involvement with military infrastructure and the effects on small contractors. They also explore submarine detection strategies against China and delve into the haunting reflections from E.B. Sledge's experiences in war.
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Caribbean Show Of Force Can Backfire
- The U.S. presence in the Caribbean is a robust show of force but risks rallying locals around Maduro rather than weakening him.
- Large deployments can produce limited political effect while creating long-term entanglement and obligations.
Colombian Networks Provide Options
- Longstanding U.S. special operations ties in Colombia create low-footprint options into Venezuela via native networks.
- Those networks enable targeted, deniable activities but their scope and access inside Venezuela remain uncertain.
Strikes Mark A New Regional Phase
- The U.S. has moved beyond Plan Colombia by striking the ELN, marking an unprecedented bilateral escalation.
- This shift signals a more aggressive chapter in U.S. policy toward leftist armed groups in the region.
