Making the Argument with Nick Freitas What Happens Next to America and Venezuela?
Jan 6, 2026
With Maduro behind bars, the podcast dives into Venezuela's uncertain future. Hear about the nation’s staggering oil reserves and the decay of its infrastructure. The discussion touches on Venezuela’s entangled drug networks and the impact of criminal organizations on military effectiveness. The political landscape sparkles with contested elections and the possibility for a transitional leader. As the U.S. contemplates its next moves, the risks of becoming mired in a prolonged conflict loom large, leaving listeners pondering what lies ahead for this troubled country.
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Urban Centers Determine Control
- Venezuela's population is highly urbanized with ~28.4 million people concentrated in a few cities.
- Controlling Caracas and major urban centers will be decisive for governance and security.
Oil Prices, Not Policy, Drove GDP Booms
- Venezuela's GDP swings mirrored oil price volatility more than policy success.
- Nationalization plus underinvestment turned oil wealth into long-term economic collapse.
Rebuilding Oil Takes Billions And Time
- Venezuela's oil infrastructure has rotted from corruption, underinvestment, and brain drain.
- Rebuilding capacity will take billions and many months before oil revenues stabilize the state.
