COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – After the United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife on Jan. 3, politicians and experts are now considering and analyzing what the move means for the United States’ involvement and influence in foreign policy.
“Traditionally, the United States has been dominant in the Western Hemisphere since it became a great power at the end of the 19th century,” said John Schuessler, an Associate Professor in the Department of International Affairs at Texas A&M University. “The United States has at least claimed to be a champion of ‘rule-based order’ that was meant to replace rough behavior.”
Schuessler noted that Venezuela has had an “anti-American regime” since the early 2000s. The Trump administration has also cited Venezuela’s involvement in the drug trade.
“And, in the last few days, a lot of emphasis on oil and the fact that the United States helped to develop Venezuela’s oil industry. But then, that was reclaimed or nationalized by the Venezuelans,” added Schuessler. “And now we want our fair cut in the oil trade. I would say drugs, oil, and this traditional American tendency to deal harshly with regimes that are on our bad side.”
For the full interview, click on the video player above.
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