The Eric Metaxas Show #34- Larry Taunton
Jan 7, 2026
Larry Taunton, a Christian author and commentator with insights into Latin America, delves into Venezuela's recent upheaval and its implications. They discuss how China's exploitation of Venezuelan oil changes the geopolitical landscape and frame U.S. actions as a modern Monroe Doctrine. Exploring the connections between Venezuela and Cuba, Taunton highlights the risks of narco-state dynamics and the impact on migration. The conversation also touches on Smartmatic's role in elections and critiquing globalism, while emphasizing the power of faith in national renewal.
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Venezuela's Strategic Importance
- Venezuela's collapse is largely the result of Marxist socialism destroying an once-prosperous country.
- Regaining control of Venezuela gives the U.S. leverage over China, migration, drugs, and oil flows.
On The Road With Migrants
- Taunton described repeatedly encountering Venezuelan migrants across South America who fled hunger and economic collapse.
- He stressed their firsthand weariness with socialism's broken promises.
Monroe Doctrine 2.0
- The Monroe Doctrine concept is resurfacing as the U.S. counters non-Western powers in the hemisphere.
- Taunton calls this a modern reassertion of influence against Chinese and Russian footholds.
