The Prospect Podcast Greenland, Venezuela and the new American interventionism
Jan 14, 2026
Isabel Hilton, a seasoned journalist and expert on Latin America and Arctic security, shares her insights on America’s evolving interventionism under Trump. She delves into the historical context of U.S. coups in Latin America, contrasting them with recent actions in Venezuela. Isabel highlights China's influence and the strategic significance of Greenland due to climate change and resource prospects. She warns about the risks of U.S. miscalculations in Venezuela and the implications for NATO and global alliances.
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Radical Rupture In US Foreign Policy
- The Trump administration represents a radical rupture from 70 years of US-led multilateralism and rule-based order.
- Isabel Hilton warns the US is abandoning alliances and international institutions to its strategic detriment.
Long History Of Hemisphere Intervention
- US intervention in Latin America has deep historical roots from the Monroe Doctrine to covert coups.
- Hilton connects past overthrows like Guatemala 1954 to modern interventions as a recurring US posture in the hemisphere.
Noriega As A Precedent
- Isabel recounts the 1989 Panama operation where Noriega, a former CIA asset, was kidnapped and jailed in the US.
- She uses it to show precedents for recent Venezuelan actions and US willingness to abduct leaders.