Stay Tuned with Preet Are We Sleep Walking Into a War With Venezuela? (with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer)
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Nov 20, 2025 
Jake Sullivan, former U.S. National Security Advisor, and Jon Finer, former Deputy National Security Advisor, dive into the escalating tensions in Venezuela, discussing the Trump administration's military options and the domestic political implications. They also analyze the ongoing situation in Gaza and the evolving role of AI in warfare. The conversation reveals how U.S. foreign policy is influenced by political motives and historical precedents, while highlighting the risks of military posturing leading to unintended escalations.
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Selective Dictator Diplomacy
- Trump favors right-wing or strongman dictators while treating left-wing ones like Maduro more harshly due to local politics and ideology.
- Jake Sullivan links Trump's South Florida base and ideological lens to his stance on Venezuela.
Domestic Motives Behind Venezuela Pressure
- The White House may be framing Venezuelan actions as an "invasion" to unlock domestic emergency powers.
- Jake Sullivan warns this narrative could be used to justify repression and military measures at home.
The Momentum From Sea To Land
- Escalatory tactics at sea risk inadvertent escalation onto land because kinetic steps often follow logically.
- Jake Sullivan says the weeks-long pattern without a land strike suggests active internal debate or a possible off-ramp.