The continuing embargo on Venezuelan oil, combined with the promise of new oil investment under US direction, opens the door to a realignment of the country’s economic base. If managed well it could restore production and revenue flows but if mishandled it could reinforce dependency and spark resistance from internal actors who still hold influence. The mention of reimbursing displaced Venezuelans is significant but the practicalities of that are unclear.
The willingness to keep military boots available if needed underscores how volatile the situation remains. Despite the capture of Maduro key figures in the regime are still free and capable of undermining any transition. Success here will depend less on what was accomplished in one night and more on the ability to stabilize institutions over the next weeks and prevent either a resurgence of Chavismo or a slide into uncontrolled factional conflict.
The continuing embargo on Venezuelan oil, combined with the promise of new oil investment under US direction, opens the door to a realignment of the country’s economic base. If managed well it could restore production and revenue flows but if mishandled it could reinforce dependency and spark resistance from internal actors who still hold influence. The mention of reimbursing displaced Venezuelans is significant but the practicalities of that are unclear.
The willingness to keep military boots available if needed underscores how volatile the situation remains. Despite the capture of Maduro key figures in the regime are still free and capable of undermining any transition. Success here will depend less on what was accomplished in one night and more on the ability to stabilize institutions over the next weeks and prevent either a resurgence of Chavismo or a slide into uncontrolled factional conflict.