By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the US abduction of Nicolás Maduro, interim President Delcy Rodríguez defiantly declared Venezuela would never be a colony and demanded Maduro’s release, directly contradicting the Trump administration’s plans. Rodríguez’s remarks, delivered alongside key Venezuelan officials, signaled unified resistance against the US’s attempt to control the country’s government and oil reserves. Trump, who claimed to be appointing individuals to lead Venezuela, threatened further attacks and warned Venezuelan officials of similar consequences as Maduro, who is detained in Brooklyn. These actions have been met with condemnation from some US politicians, who see it as the US starting an illegal war.
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Defying Trump, Venezuela VP Says ‘We Will Never Again Be a Colony of Any Empire’
The recent statements coming out of Venezuela, particularly from the Vice President, ring with a defiant spirit, a clear stance against any form of foreign domination. The declaration that Venezuela will “never again be a colony of any empire” strikes at the heart of the current geopolitical tension, especially considering the US’s recent actions and the historical context of US-Venezuelan relations. It’s a powerful message, and it’s understandable how it resonates, given the shadow of past interventions and the current climate of uncertainty.
The situation in Venezuela is complex, but one thing is clear: there’s a deep-seated fear of being exploited, of having the country’s resources plundered and its sovereignty eroded. The echoes of past regime changes, from Vietnam to Panama, Grenada to Haiti, where foreign powers have intervened, often with disastrous consequences, are hard to ignore. The history paints a stark picture: instability, power vacuums, and prolonged suffering for the people. This is the specter that Venezuela is trying to ward off. The country’s leaders are well aware of the risks that can come with the removal of national leaders without a plan for a smooth transition, as it has led to chaos, violence, and long recovery periods.
Furthermore, the very rhetoric that Venezuela has used for years, the warning against the “big, bad Americans” seeking to colonize, imprison leaders, and seize resources, seems to have been tragically validated by the US’s recent actions. This irony is not lost on anyone following the situation. The perception is that the US, through its actions, is indeed seeking to control the country’s resources, especially its oil reserves, and install a puppet government. It’s an unsettling narrative, and one that fuels the resentment and defiance expressed by the Venezuelan VP. This makes it almost certain that any kind of foreign intervention could further push them into the hands of those who are opposed to the United States.
It is clear that many people feel it’s an imperialistic and aggressive maneuver. The concerns about the US’s actions extend beyond just the immediate situation. The talk of “running Venezuela” and extracting resources raises uncomfortable questions about the US’s role on the world stage. Are we an aggressor nation? Is the US a colonizer? These are valid questions that arise when a nation actively seeks to intervene in the internal affairs of a sovereign country, especially when that intervention appears to be driven by self-interest and a desire to extract resources.
The potential consequences are also worrisome. The risk of destabilization, of a descent into further violence and conflict, is a very real possibility, and could lead to major refugee crisis. History provides plenty of examples of how these sorts of interventions can unravel and how any kind of invasion or occupation leads to subjugation. The idea that this will somehow leave them in a better spot seems absurd to most.
The fear is not only of economic exploitation, but also of political manipulation. The worry that Venezuela may have become a target for its resources, particularly its oil. This echoes a pattern that has played out countless times in history, where foreign powers have sought to control a nation’s resources.
The reaction to the situation also highlights how international norms are becoming blurred in the face of self-interest. The disregard for international law and established principles of sovereignty is troubling and this situation could set a dangerous precedent. This situation should serve as a clarion call, that international law is out the window.
The fact that the situation has unfolded with little to no clear plan on how to proceed, and a complete disregard for the will of the Venezuelan people, only amplifies the concerns. The focus on regime change without a coherent plan for the future seems destined to fail, leading to more chaos and more suffering.