The US-Venezuela affair has worsened during the last two decades, transforming into diplomatic conflicts but creating one of the largest and longest standoffs in the Western Hemisphere.
Although no war has been declared, no full-scale military invasion has taken place, the United States has sanctioned the country in comprehensive ways, filed criminal charges against Venezuelan leaders, subjected the nation to diplomatic pressure, and stationed security forces around the country. In its turn, Venezuela charges Washington with economic warfare and regime change attempts.
Many people wonder how the conflict has evolved and what the U.S. politics have done. Why they did it, and the opinion of the international community about the situation, according to the publicly accessible records and official statements.
Background: Strategic Partner to Political Adversary
During the 20th century, Venezuela was one of Washington’s closest partners in Latin America, primarily due to its oil resources. This kind of relationship started to shift when Hugo Chavez was elected in 1998.
Hugo Chávez encouraged a socialist political agenda called the Bolivarian Revolution, increased the government ownership of major industries, and adopted a foreign policy that was openly hostile to U.S. influence. He strengthened relationships with Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, saying that Venezuela would want to have a multipolar world order. US officials, in the meantime, were concerned about democratic institutions, press freedom, and treatment of political opponents.
Upon the death of Chavez in 2013, his successor, Nicolas Maduro, inherited an oil-reliant economy changed the oil prices. Decreased oil prices, decisions on the policy level, and governance issues led to hyperinflation, a lack of basic products, and mass migration.
Timeline: Key Moments in the U.S. – Venezuela Confrontation
2014-2016: Initial Sanctions
- The American government placed specific sanctions against the Venezuelan officials who were alleged to have committed human rights abuses in the wake of protests.
- These initial actions were based on the individuals and not the overall economy.
2017-2018: Economic Pressure Expands
- The U.S. also blocked Venezuela from global financial markets.
- Washington used the backsliding of democracy, such as election disputes and the judiciary’s position.
2019: Parallel Governments
- After a disputed presidential election, the U.S. accepted the opposition leader, Juan Guaido, as the interim president of Venezuela.
- Sanctions were placed on the state oil company of Venezuela, PDVSA, to the point that it was drastically lowering oil exports, which is the primary source of income.
- The government of Maduro maintained control over the state institutions and military, which led to the formation of a long-term political stalemate.
2020-2021: Legal and Security Measures
- U.S. prosecutors charged Maduro and other high officials with drug trafficking conspiracies.
- The U.S. intensified its naval patrols in the Caribbean and explained them as anti-narcotic activities.
2022-2024: Limited Engagement
- Amid global energy disruptions, Washington permitted limited licenses on certain oil transactions.
- The diplomatic negotiations were resumed on intervals and in most cases mediated by third parties.
- Sanctions relief was also accompanied by election and political reform promises that have since collapsed.
What is the United States Doing and Why
Democracy and Governance
The U.S. officials have claimed that their policy is directed towards the promotion of democratic processes, free elections, and human rights. Washington argues that to stimulate political reform, sanctions and diplomatic pressure can be used, not the punishment of ordinary citizens.
The government of Venezuela refutes this description by claiming that sanctions have deteriorated humanitarianism and undermined sovereignty.
Economical and Energy Interests
Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. Although the officials of the U.S deny the fact that control of resources is the main motive, oil is at the core of the conflict. The sanctions against PDVSA have decreased the exports of Venezuela by a significant margin, which has impacted the global energy market and also the economy of Venezuela.
The strategic significance of Venezuelan oil has been associated with the short-term talks and global energy demands, which have been attributed to the partial lifting of sanctions over the last few years.
Security and Drug Trafficking Charges.
The U.S. accuses the leadership in Venezuela of promoting international drug dealing. Venezuelan authorities reject these arguments as politically biased and legally false.
Framing certain activities as law enforcement and counter-narcotics activities, Washington insists on operating within domestic and international laws.
Geopolitical Competition
The U.S has constantly been worried about the military and economic relations of Venezuela with Russia, China, and Iran. According to the officials, the relationships have the potential to alter the local balance of power and threaten the security in the Americas.
Is the U.S. Attacking Venezuela?
The answer depends on deifnition
- There has not been a declaration of war.
- No ground invasion and occupation has been sustained.
- Actions taken include:
- Broad economic sanctions,
- Diplomatic isolation,
- Criminal indictments,
- Asset freezes,
- The presence of the navy around Venezuelan waters.
Opponents call these measures economic warfare, whereas proponents insist that they are all normal foreign-policy instruments without resorting to war.
Humanitarian Impact
The economic meltdown experienced in Venezuela has helped in one of the greatest migration crises globally, with millions migrating out of the nation. International organizations observe that the sanctions are not the only cause of the crisis, but they have increased the existing problems.
The U.S. explains that humanitarian aid is not subject to sanctions, whereas aid organizations report difficulties with their work because of the financial limits and uncertainty.
International Response
Reactions have been divided:
- Some governments and blocs are aiding in U.S. pressure by citing democratic norms.
- Others, such as some of the Global South countries, reproach unilateral sanctions and demand dialogue.
- The United Nations has proposed solutions to be resolved through negotiations and has threatened to take action against efforts to kill civilians.
There has not yet been a consensus over whether sanctions are a tool of political change that can be effective or not.
Where Things Stand with the USA and Venezuela?
The relations between Washington and Caracas are tense yet changeable. The prospects of U.S.Venezuela relations are based on a few aspects:
- The domestic politics in both nations,
- The electoral and institutional reforms in Venezuela,
- Global energy markets,
- Greater geopolitical changes with great powers.
For now, the conflict remains a prolonged diplomatic and economic confrontation, rather than an active military war.
Bottom Line:
The United States is not fighting a normal war against Venezuela, but it is a prolonged pressure to fight the enemy by imposing sanctions, diplomacy, and legal action. This is viewed by its supporters as a reaction to the issue of governance and security; by its critics as an interventionist policy with serious humanitarian effects. The scenario is still developing, and the results are bound to influence the politics of the region in the coming years.
This article is written in a neutral, fact-based format and does not endorse any government position, nor take any stands on the countries and their doings!
