Jacobin Radio Jacobin Radio: The Donroe Doctrine w/ Pedro Paulo Zahluth Bastos
Jan 13, 2026
Pedro Paulo Zahluth Bastos, a Brazilian political economist, and Denys Pilash, a Ukrainian political scientist, delve into the ramifications of Trump's military actions in Venezuela, coining it the 'Donroe Doctrine.' They explore how the U.S. adopts a blunt, imperialistic approach to secure resources, while also critiquing Maduro's regime. Pilash connects the struggle against U.S. imperialism with the fight for justice in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for consistent internationalism. Their discussion reveals the complexity of navigating anti-imperialism without endorsing corrupt leaders.
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Naked Imperialism As Strategic Shift
- Pedro Paulo Zahluth Bastos calls the Donroe Doctrine a return to unapologetic, transactional imperialism that abandons liberal pretexts.
- He argues this signals U.S. weakness: a declining hegemon using force to secure resources and exclude China.
Control Over Consumption Drives Intervention
- Control, not consumption, motivates the U.S. assault on Venezuela according to Pedro Paulo Zahluth Bastos.
- He stresses strategic control of oil and critical minerals to deny China supplies and reshape supply chains.
Reject Uncritical Defense Of Maduro
- Pedro Paulo Zahluth Bastos critiques Maduro's regime as authoritarian, corrupt, and economically mismanaged.
- He warns leftists against uncritical defense that lets the right equate socialism with tyranny and poverty.