Gangster’s View: Global Power and Economic Inequality
US Foreign Policy Under Trump: A Spheres-of-Influence Approach
The foreign policy of former US President Donald Trump was characterized by a transactional approach to geopolitics and the global economy,often described as a belief in dividing the world into spheres of influence. this strategy prioritized perceived US interests,sometimes operating outside conventional international norms.
venezuela and US Policy (2019-2021)
A key example cited of this approach was the US managementS policy towards venezuela. In January 2019, the US, along wiht several other countries, did not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s re-election as President of venezuela. Instead,the US recognized Juan Guaidó,the then-President of the National Assembly,as the interim president. This decision was based on allegations of electoral fraud and a broader concern for the democratic backsliding in Venezuela.
The US imposed extensive sanctions on Venezuela, targeting the Maduro government, Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA, and individuals associated with the regime. these sanctions aimed to pressure Maduro to step down and allow for free and fair elections. The stated goals included restoring democracy and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
The claim of an “illegal abduction” of Nicolás Maduro is not supported by verified reporting. There were no confirmed reports of maduro being abducted by the US government. The US strategy focused on political and economic pressure to encourage a change in leadership.
control of Venezuela’s oil reserves was a notable factor in the US approach. Venezuela possesses some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world, and access to these resources was seen as strategically important. The US supported efforts to establish a transitional government that would be more amenable to US interests, including potentially opening up the oil sector to foreign investment.
Current Status (as of January 15, 2026)
As of January 15, 2026, Nicolás Maduro remains the President of Venezuela. He was sworn in for a second term in August 2023 despite continued international criticism regarding the legitimacy of the election. The US maintains sanctions on Venezuela, although there have been some adjustments and easing of restrictions in recent years in response to political negotiations. In November 2023, the US temporarily lifted sanctions on Venezuela following an agreement between the Maduro government and the opposition regarding future elections. However, sanctions were reimposed in April 2024 after the Venezuelan government disqualified opposition leader María Corina Machado from running in the upcoming presidential election. The political and economic situation in Venezuela remains unstable, with a continuing humanitarian crisis.
The long-term consequences of the Trump administration’s policy towards Venezuela are still unfolding. Critics argue that the sanctions exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and failed to achieve their intended political goals. Supporters maintain that the pressure was necessary to highlight the undemocratic nature of the Maduro regime and advocate for a transition to democracy.