The Commentary Magazine Podcast The Hate Boat
21 snips
Dec 11, 2025 The podcast dives into the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, exploring its implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations. Discussions include sanctions, geopolitical strategies involving Russia and Iran, and potential consequences of failing to unseat Maduro. The conversation shifts to American electoral politics, highlighting quirky Democratic primaries and candidate dynamics as they prepare for 2026. Amidst the political discourse, a nostalgic film recommendation, 'It's a Wonderful Life,' adds a touch of reflective charm.
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Revived Monroe Doctrine In Practice
- The Trump administration is operationalizing a Monroe Doctrine revival through targeted actions in the hemisphere.
- Seizing a sanctioned tanker and firing on boats signal a willingness to enforce U.S. primacy in the region.
Tanker Ties Multiple Adversaries
- The seized tanker linked Venezuela, Iran, and Russia in one actionable violation of sanctions.
- That made it an attractive target because it symbolically connected multiple adversaries the U.S. wants to counter.
Justifications Mask A Broader Regime Aim
- Officials use varying legal justifications flexibly to pressure Maduro and squeeze the regime.
- The underlying strategic aim appears to be regime weakening, not single-issue enforcement.
