In Focus by The Hindu Removal of Maduro: Decoding the latest chapter in US interventionism
Jan 12, 2026
Srinivasan Ramani, Senior Associate Editor at The Hindu, dives into the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and the dramatic arrest of Nicolás Maduro. He explores the real motivations behind U.S. actions, suggesting that controlling Venezuelan oil is central to their strategy. Ramani discusses the implications of this intervention for regional stability, including potential targeting of Cuba and the parallels with Iraq. He also highlights how domestic U.S. politics and military-industrial interests have increasingly influenced foreign policy.
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Questionable Justifications For The Strike
- The US claims against Maduro (narco-terrorism and fentanyl flooding) lack substantiating evidence and ignore Mexico-China supply links.
- Srinivasan Ramani argues these justifications are falsehoods used to mask other motives.
Oil And Hemispheric Preeminence Motivate Action
- Control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves and reasserting Monroe Doctrine-style dominance drive US actions more than stated reasons.
- Ramani links rising China-Latin America trade to US desire to reassert hemispheric hegemony.
China's Rise Triggers Regional Pushback
- The Trump administration seeks to reassert US dominance partly because China’s trade with Latin America surged greatly over 25 years.
- Ramani warns this push may target Cuba next due to US anti-Cuba lobbying and Venezuela–Cuba ties.