Visions Clash in the U.S. Over Venezuela: Invasion or Liberation?

In Washington, the discourse surrounding Venezuela has become a mirror reflecting the internal power dynamics of the United States.

Two of the world's most influential publications, The Economist and Foreign Policy, have presented opposing views on a potential U.S. military intervention against the regime of Nicolás Maduro.

The British weekly The Economist released an in-depth analysis titled "War Looms Over Venezuela as Trump Tests 'America First' Doctrine," warning of an impending war in the Caribbean as President Donald Trump deploys aircraft carriers, bombers, and elite forces near the Venezuelan coast.

According to the magazine, the U.S. government, advised by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has redefined its anti-narcotics efforts as a "war on narco-terrorism," a strategy that provides a rationale for military strikes without a formal war declaration.

In this narrative, Maduro is portrayed as the leader of the so-called 'Cartel of the Suns,' with Venezuela labeled a "terrorist state" for allegedly sending drugs and criminals to the U.S.

"The attempt to oust Maduro is barely concealed," The Economist asserted, noting that the Trump administration has already authorized the CIA for covert operations within Venezuela and the Marines to conduct amphibious landing drills in Puerto Rico.

The publication expressed concern that the president might repeat the mistakes of the "war on terror" by opening a new conflict front in the Western Hemisphere. It emphasized the lack of a solid political or diplomatic strategy for the aftermath of Maduro's potential fall, a point of contention for Venezuelan civil society and leaders like President-elect Edmundo Gonzáles and María Corina Machado.

The article highlighted that the Pentagon has already stationed over 10,000 troops in the Caribbean, with the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, moving towards the area.

However, experts cited by The Economist suggest the outcome could be unpredictable: either a swift and successful intervention like Panama or Grenada, or a prolonged disaster akin to Iraq or Libya.

"A poorly managed intervention could fuel anti-American sentiment, exacerbate migration issues, and unleash chaos," the publication noted.

Foreign Policy's Perspective: "Trump Must Oust Maduro"

On the other side of the debate, analyst Matthew Kroenig, vice president of the Atlantic Council, argued in a Foreign Policy column titled "Trump Should Oust Maduro" that removing the Venezuelan leader is not only legitimate but necessary.

Kroenig contended that Venezuela has emerged as a key stronghold for Russia, China, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere, and that toppling Maduro would be a strategic and symbolic victory, bolstering U.S. influence in Latin America.

"Ousting Maduro could significantly enhance U.S. security in the region," he wrote. "If Trump manages to establish a lasting pro-American democracy, it would be comparable to Reagan's success in Grenada or Bush's in Panama."

The author outlined three potential operational scenarios:

• Coercive diplomacy, using threats to force Maduro's departure.
• Targeted attacks on military and oil facilities.
• A Soleimani-style operation aimed at directly eliminating the Chavista leader.

For Kroenig, a ground invasion is off the table, but the use of "limited and decisive force" could hasten political transition. In his view, Trump's doctrine aims not to "conquer" but to "pacify through power," and Venezuela presents an opportunity to showcase this approach.

A New Cold War Battlefield

Both analyses agree that Venezuela has become the focal point of a new global rivalry, with Washington, Moscow, and Beijing vying for influence in the Western Hemisphere.

While The Economist fears a historical blunder repeating past failures, Foreign Policy sees a chance to establish a "friendly democracy" and redefine Trump's foreign policy in a hemispheric context.

Amid naval maneuvers, tough rhetoric, and leaked attack plans, a question looms over the Caribbean: Will the next U.S. war be seen as "liberation"... or as another example of its old role as the world's policeman?