The capture of Nicolás Maduro demonstrated America’s military strength, confirming its unmatched reach. However, the true significance of the Venezuela situation lies in what the U.S. no longer aspires to be. Historically, American power was built on soft power, which included moral and cultural appeal and the ability to attract allies. The Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela and elsewhere are dismantling the symbolic and moral infrastructure that supported this order. By rejecting persuasion for intimidation, the administration risks making American power indistinguishable from lawless regimes, accelerating its decline and making the U.S. smaller and more dangerous.
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Maduro opponent Machado vows to return to Venezuela, wants an election, and it’s quite the story brewing. It seems she’s currently abroad, perhaps in Europe, and her stated intention is to head back to her homeland and, importantly, participate in a future election. The main crux of the issue revolves around whether this will actually happen and what the political landscape might look like if she does.
The situation is far from simple. There’s a lot of debate surrounding her. Some are highly critical, claiming she’s out of touch and doesn’t stand a chance. They point to her past actions, like advocating for foreign intervention and, crucially, her association with figures like Trump, who are seen by some as not acting in Venezuela’s best interests.… Continue reading
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China is indeed finding the current state of US foreign policy quite amusing, according to a high-ranking EU diplomat. The sentiment reflects a widespread perception that the US is systematically dismantling its own global advantages, creating opportunities for other nations, particularly China.
The unraveling of US influence is seen across various sectors. Alliances are fractured, democratic institutions are weakened, and the US’s soft power has significantly diminished. Trade agreements are being undermined, eroding trust and reliability in the US as a partner. Even the US’s moral standing on the world stage appears to be suffering. The very foundations of US global dominance seem to be crumbling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood