Francisco Monaldi

Francisco Monaldi, Director of the Latin American Energy Program at Rice University, delves into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela centering on oil. He explains the significance of the recent U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan tanker and how it signals potential blockade strategies. Monaldi discusses the historical relationship between the U.S. and Venezuelan oil, highlighting production issues caused by mismanagement. He also frames U.S. sanctions as part of a broader strategy to pressure Maduro’s regime while minimizing American costs.

Francisco J. Monaldi, an energy policy expert at Rice University, discusses Trump's blockade on Venezuelan oil, highlighting its potential to wreak havoc on the economy, devalue currency, and escalate inflation. He questions whether such sanctions can topple Maduro, noting the regime's past resilience. Claire Lai, daughter of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, shares heartfelt insights on her father's life sentence and ongoing advocacy for his release, offering a personal glimpse into their family's battle against repression.

Timothy Ash, a strategist and Russia expert, discusses the EU's plan to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine, raising concerns about Belgium's legal exposure. Susan Schmidt offers insights into the EU's gradual phase-out of Russian gas and its market implications. Francisco Monaldi highlights Venezuela's oil potential and the geopolitical motivations behind US actions in the region. On a lighter note, John Lawrenson reports on Lugano's acceptance of Bitcoin, capturing local reactions to its growing presence in everyday commerce.