Ian Bremmer breaks down the steady escalation of US pressure on Venezuela and why direct military action is now a real possibility.
Over recent months, the Trump administration has tightened sanctions, seized oil tankers, shut down Venezuelan airspace, targeted drug trafficking routes, and deployed growing military assets to the region. Ian explains that this slow, deliberate buildup suggests Washington is preparing for strikes unless President Nicolás Maduro is forced out first.
Trump’s goal, Ian says, is to remove Maduro without putting US troops on the ground, ideally by pressuring Venezuela’s military to turn on him. The strategy carries risks: civilian casualties, increased migration, and long-term damage to Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. But with limited international pushback and strong support among Trump’s base, Ian argues the White House is likely to push further.
Unless Maduro exits under pressure, Ian warns, US strikes inside Venezuela now look increasingly likely.
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