NatSec Matters Venezuela After Maduro - U.S. Intervention, Cartels, and the Road Ahead: Dr. Ryan Berg
Jan 14, 2026
Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, shares his insights on Venezuela's tumultuous future. He delves into the successful Delta Force raid that captured Nicolas Maduro, spotlighting U.S. military prowess. Ryan discusses Venezuela's geopolitical stakes, including drug trade and migration, and the strategic importance of U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean. He also reveals plans for U.S. control of Venezuelan oil revenues and the implications for regional stability.
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Surprise Short Raid Ousted Maduro
- Ryan Berg did not expect a Delta Force raid to depose Maduro and said it wasn't on his bingo card either.
- The raid lasted about two hours with complete air supremacy and layered cyber and space effects, showing U.S. operational precision.
Venezuela At The Strategic Crossroads
- Venezuela sits at the intersection of migration, drugs, and adversary footholds for Russia, China, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere.
- The Trump administration views reasserting U.S. dominance in the region as requiring prioritized focus on Venezuela.
Use Oil And Naval Quarantine As Leverage
- Use naval quarantine and control of oil exports as leverage to shape Venezuelan behavior and policy.
- Market and sell Venezuelan oil and place proceeds in a U.S. account to benefit the Venezuelan people while withholding direct regime control.