James V. Story

James Story, the former top U.S. diplomat to Venezuela, and Michael Stott, Financial Times Latin America editor, dive into the implications of U.S. military actions near Venezuela. They discuss the role of military buildup in U.S. strategy against Nicolás Maduro and why regime change is a priority. The duo examines the Venezuelan military's capabilities and the complexities of opposition leadership. They also speculate on Trump's approach—whether he will escalate tensions or adopt a more cautious stance in the face of potential backlash.

James Story, the former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela, dives into the complexities of a potential U.S. intervention in Venezuela. He discusses the precarious state of the country, noting its institutional failures and the challenges of rebuilding. Story emphasizes the importance of securing peace through military presence while strategizing long-term goals. He reveals the risks of regime change and how public support hinges on the execution method, warning that past negotiation attempts have often faltered. His insights on Venezuela’s future are both gripping and thought-provoking.

This discussion features Mike Baker, a former CIA operative; James Story, former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela; Ryan Grim, journalist and co-host of Breaking Points; and Max Blumenthal, editor at The Grayzone. They dive into the recent U.S. strikes on Venezuelan boats and the implications of a military buildup in the region. Topics include the legitimacy of U.S. narratives about drug trafficking, concerns over regime change, and the motivations behind U.S. interventions, particularly focusing on Venezuela's vast oil resources. A thought-provoking conversation on complex geopolitics ensues.