Podcast appearances and mentions of hugo chavez

On the 3rd of January this year, Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro, was removed from office by a US military intervention. He was flown to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking and partnering with terrorist groups, charges he denies. His leadership and that of his predecessor and mentor Hugo Chavez saw Venezuela move from being an oil rich, prosperous country to a country which was heavily sanctioned and under investigation by the International Criminal Court. Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, has now succeeded him as acting president. Some Venezuelans feel that she represents only continuity with Chavismo, the political system Hugo Chavez created. Others feel that Rodriguez will be forced to adapt in order to survive. Jorge Perez and Alicia Hernandez of BBC Mundo have been following what is happening in Venezuela closely.Snow leopards are beautiful, yet elusive creatures. They like to live high up in snowy mountains, including certain areas in the Indian Himalayas. A group of women in one of India's coldest and most remote regions have joined the efforts to conduct a snow leopard census, using camera traps to count the big cats and protect them and their habitat. Ashay Yedge of BBC Marathi recently traveled to the world's second-highest village to speak to them about their work. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. Presented by Irena TaranyukProduced by Laura Thomas and Caroline Ferguson (Photo: Irena Taranyuk)

Trump has reassembled his 2020 election conspiracy team as Tulsi Gabbard leads an FBI raid in Fulton County, Georgia, seizing 700 boxes of ballots from the 2020 election. The raid represents Trump's strategy to undermine the legitimacy of the 2026 midterm elections before they even happen. With Republicans facing devastating losses in both the House and Senate, Trump knows two years of Democratic investigations and multiple impeachments await him. Will Sommer reports on the batshit conspiracy theories fueling this election attack, from Sydney Powell's Venezuelan voting machine claims to the Hammer and Scorecard supercomputer theory. Tulsi Gabbard, as Director of National Intelligence, has no law enforcement authority yet accompanied FBI agents and called Trump from the scene. The investigation resurrects discredited conspiracy theorists like Dennis Montgomery and references Hugo Chavez, dead for years, supposedly influencing Dominion voting systems. Meanwhile, Dan Bongino returned to podcasting after his brief FBI stint, immediately landing a Trump interview where the president threatened to seize control of elections in 15 states. The connection between the Fulton County raid, Tulsi Gabbard's investigation, and Trump's 2026 midterm strategy reveals a coordinated effort to cast doubt on any Democratic victories. Sydney Powell hints at something big happening, while Trump reposts QAnon theories about Italian satellites and CIA programs flipping votes. The legitimacy of future elections hangs in the balance as Trump deploys every conspiracy theory and charlatan from 2020 to poison the well for 2026. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

 Starting in the autumn of 2025, the US began attacking small civilian boats in or near Venezuelan waters, summarily executing over 126 people. January, 2026 began with it kidnapping Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and bringing them to the US. This month, just weeks after the kidnapping, Haymarket Books published the immensely useful and urgent book, Venezuela in Crisis. The historical range of the book begins with the regime of Hugo Chavez and ends with the 2024 elections in Venezuela.We are immensely fortunate to be able to speak with the editor and translator of this collection of essays, Anderson Bean, and two of its contributors, Emiliano Terán and Simón Rodríguez.  The key argument of the book is that, even by his own admission, Chavez was not able to completely transform Venezuela into a socialist state. The book explains the roots of this failure, despite the inspiring successes of Chavismo. It then tracks an ever-increasing neoliberal and oppressive trend carried forward by Maduro, which is characterized by burgeoning extractivism, corruption, and suppression of human rights.  We end by calling on socialists and progressives everywhere to resist the tendency to side with Maduro's false claims to socialism, and to focus instead on building solidarity with the people of Venezuela.Anderson Bean is a sociology professor at North Carolina A&T State University, a member of the Tempest Collective, and a North Carolina–based activist and editor. He is a contributor to Venezuela in Crisis: Socialist Perspectives (Haymarket Books) and the author of Communes and the Venezuelan State: The Struggle for Participatory Democracy in a Time of Crisis (Lexington Books).Simón Rodríguez is a Venezuelan socialist writer and journalist. He was a student organizer and later became professor at the Universidad de los Andes. When he was a member of the national leadership of the Socialism and Freedom Party, he ran as a candidate for the National Assembly in 2015. He is a founding member of Laclase.info and Venezuelanvoices.org and has published articles in Humania del Sur, NACLA Report on the Americas, The New Arab, and Rebelión and on dozens of electronic outlets, and his articles have been translated into six languages. He has given talks and lectures in Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. He is coauthor with Miguel Sorans of the book Why Did Chavismo Fail? A Left-Opposition Balance Sheet.Emiliano Terán is a sociologist from the Central University of Venezuela and has a master's degree in ecological economics from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. He is a PhD candidate in environmental science and technology at the same institution. He is also an associate researcher at the Center for Development Studies in Venezuela and a member of the Observatory of Political Ecology of Venezuela   

Katja Nyberg har lämnat SD. Det blottar att partiet har få kvinnliga riksdagsledamöter, vad beror det på? Och därför är sossarnas vänstersida arg på S-ledningen. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app. Nyligen lämnade riksdagsledamoten Katja Nyberg Sverigedemokraterna på grund av ett misstänkt narkotikabrott. Nyberg är numera politisk vilde samtidigt som SD blivit ännu mera mansdominerat, nästan 80 procent av partiets riksdagsledamöter är män. Tidigare har partiet också upplevt skandaler kring andra högt uppsatta kvinnor som Jessica Stegrud och Elsa Widding. Hur ligger Sverigedemokraterna egentligen till hos kvinnliga väljare, kan de värva nya kvinnliga politiker och har partiet förmåga att fylla stolarna i en eventuell framtida regering?Det har blåst upp till en mindre storm inom Socialdemokraterna. För en tid sedan deklarerade partiets rättspolitiska talesperson Teresa Carvalho att hon inte kommer vara ”soft on crime”. Men nu höjs röster för en annan linje. Tidigare i veckan skickade Täby arbetarkommun ett brev till S-ledningen där partiets riktning inom migrations- och kriminalpolitiken kritiserades. Täby-sossarna tycker att partiledningen är för hårda i frågorna. Nu är frågan om de har stöd av fler inom partiet och om partiledare Magdalena Andersson lyssnar på kritiken?Statsminister Ulf Kristersson ska starta en egen podd. Vi på Det Politiska Spelet har några tips till statsministern och passar också på att se om Kristersson kan ta lärdom av Hugo Chavez gamla show Alo Presidente. Medverkande: Helena Gissén, politiska kommentator och Pontus Mattsson, politikreporter på Ekot.Programledare: Parisa HöglundProducent: Mattias Dellert

In Chapter 42 of The Book of Trump, host Ghost continues the examination of parallels, patterns, and strategic behavior referenced through the lens of Hugo Chavez. This chapter focuses on timing, perception management, and how public actions are often designed to trigger predictable reactions that reveal deeper constraints and intentions. Ghost breaks down how narrative pressure, delayed responses, and calculated moves can be used to shape outcomes without direct confrontation. The discussion emphasizes sequencing, psychological leverage, and the difference between surface-level optics and underlying strategy. Throughout the chapter, attention is given to how power is exercised through patience, observation, and allowing opponents to overextend themselves. Chapter 42 builds on the broader theme of strategy over spectacle, encouraging listeners to study behavior patterns, responses, and historical parallels rather than reacting to individual events in isolation.

Den 3 januari 2026 angrep USA på Donald Trumps order Venezuelas huvudstad Caracas och kidnappade president Nicolás Maduro. Är detta slutet för den bolivarianska revolutionen som inleddes med Hugo Chávez presidentskap 1998? Eller var det sista spiken i kistan för en regim redan på knä av sanktioner och oljeindustrins kuppförsök. Francisco Contreras guidar oss igenom Venezuelas nutidshistoria, regimförändring ovanifrån och demokratisk folkmakt underifrån, om försöket till ett socialistiskt projekt byggt på en av världens största oljekällor. Läs mer: Francisco Contreras: Var det ett regimskifte i Venezuela? (Parabol) https://www.parabol.press/genomforde-usa-ett-regimskifte-i-venezuela/ Chris Gilbert och Cira Pascual Marquina: Temanummer om Venezuelas kommuner (Monthly Review) https://monthlyreview.org/articles/a-special-issue-on-communes-in-socialist-construction/ Chris Gilbert: Commune or Nothing! Venezuela's Communal Movement and its Socialist Project https://chrisgilbert.site/commune-or-nothing/ John Bellamy Foster: Chávez and the Communal State: On the Transition to Socialism in Venezuela (Monthly Review) https://monthlyreviewarchives.org/mr/article/view/MR-066-11-2015-04_1 Politics theory other: Richard Seymour om angreppet på Venezuela (Podcast) https://poddtoppen.se/podcast/1370561641/politics-theory-other/the-donroe-doctrine-and-us-decline The Dig: Venezuela med Alejandro Velasco, Gabriel Hetland, Yoletty Bracho (Podcast) https://thedigradio.com/podcast/venezuela-w-alejandro-velasco-gabriel-hetland-yoletty-bracho/ Wikipedia om Hugo Chavez, Bolivarianska revolutionen och 2000-talets socialism: https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Ch%C3%A1vez

Watch the full podcast! https://chinauncensored.tv/programs/podcast-322 When Venezuelans elected socialist Hugo Chavez in 1998, it seemed like a good idea. In fact, it seemed like the only way to fix their country. Economics and banking expert Jorge Jraissati explains how Venezuela got to that point, and what Americans can learn from it. Follow him on X @jraissatijorge

Watch the full podcast! https://chinauncensored.tv/programs/podcast-322 When Venezuelans elected socialist Hugo Chavez in 1998, it seemed like a good idea. In fact, it seemed like the only way to fix their country. Economics and banking expert Jorge Jraissati explains how Venezuela got to that point, and what Americans can learn from it. Follow him on X @jraissatijorge

Venezuela has more oil than any other country in the world - but 80% of its people are living in poverty. It's a democracy, at least in name, but the man who won the last election with 68% of the vote is facing jail and living in exile in Spain. The popular socialist patriotism of Hugo Chavez, whether you personally liked it or not, has been wrecked by the corruption and incompetence of the man he trusted to replace him - Nicolas Maduro. Maduro still has some supporters - and one of the most prominent among them is the legendary Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters, who joins Piers Morgan to discuss Venezuela, Iran, Trump... and those comments he made about Ozzy Osbourne. Piers Morgan Uncensored is proudly independent and supported by: Melania: Step inside 20 days before history is made - watch MELANIA, only in theaters January 30; get your tickets now! Oxford Natural: To watch their full stories, scan the QR code on your screen or visit https://oxfordnatural.com/piers/ to get 70% off your first order when you use code PIERS. Mando: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code PIERS at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is the U.S. involved in Venezuela and what does oil have to do with it? In this thoughtful conversation, Marianne Williamson interviews the Center for Economic Policy and Research's Alex Main about U.S. foreign policy, Venezuela's political crisis, economic sanctions, and the history of American intervention in the region. They discuss Hugo Chavez, Nicolas Maduro, U.S. oil interests, Cold War ideology, and the growing fear among Latin American nations of renewed U.S. imperialism. This conversation provides crucial context missing from mainstream media coverage. Center for Economic Policy and Research: CEPR.net Subscribe to Marianne's Substack: MarianneWilliamson.Susbtack.com Subscribe to Marianne's YouTube Channel Follow Marianne on Instagram Follow Marianne on Facebook Follow Marianne on TikTok Learn more at Marianne.com

Un empresario acusa a Daddy Yankee, Mireddys Gonzalez y otras personas de fraude, conspiración y traición a la confianza en un negocio millonario.María Corina Machado se reunió con María Corina Machado y hay mucha incertidumbre sobre el futuro político de Venezuela.Continúan los líos jurídicos para Gerardo Ortiz. Aunque se salvó de la prisión, el gobierno de Estados Unidos le impuso una millonaria multa y además le impide salir del país, lo que afecta futuras presentaciones que tenía pactadas.Te contamos qué famosos apoyaron a Chavez, Maduro y su 'proyecto bolivariano'.¿Quién es la misteriosa 'amiga' que no se separa de Rosalía? Aquí te lo contamos.

With the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, the future of the Venezuelan government is an open question. Will we see a mere continuation of the Maduro regime, which left the country economically devastated, or will we instead see the kind of fundamental reforms that have worked so well for Javier Milei in Argentina? Matt Kibbe is joined by Ian Vásquez, Vice President of International Studies at the Cato Institute, to discuss the next steps for the Trump Administration. In a best-case scenario, Trump would work with Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado to bring libertarian reforms to Venezuela, putting the country back on the path towards the kind of freedom and prosperity it enjoyed prior to Hugo Chavez's socialist takeover.

In this episode of The Sports As a Weapon Podcast, Miguel welcomes British-Chilean journalist and documentary filmmaker Pablo Navarrete. The discussion centers around the recent US attack on Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which led to the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores. Pablo shares his experiences and insights on Venezuelan politics, the influence of Chavismo, and the impact of US imperialism. He also highlights his work in documentary filmmaking, focusing on Venezuela and Latin American issues. Miguel and Pablo's conversation includes perspectives on independent media and grassroots journalism, and the roles of Chavista social activists of the Bolivarian Revolution, such as Mariela Machado in Venezuela.Links:* Emergency Rally in Sheffield, England - Hands Off Venezuela! by Pablo Navarrete/Level Ground Substack * The War On Democracy  (2007 Documentary) by John Pilger * Inside the Revolution: A Journey into Heart of Venezuela (2009 Documentary) by Pablo Navarrete/Alborada Films * Venezuela: Defending the Revolution (2019 Documentary) by Pablo Navarrete/Redfish Media  * The Other Venezuela (2019 Documentary) by Pablo Navarrete/Redfish Media * Caesar Crossed the Rubicon; So Did Trump by Maria Páez Victor/Orinoco Tribune * Mariela Machado Instagram Interview via @chanramosvictoralfonso * Venezuelan, International Popular Movements Condemn US Bombings, Maduro Kidnapping by Ricardo Vaz  Miguel Garcia and Comrade E produced this episode. The Sports As A Weapon Podcast is part of the @Anticonquista Media Collective. Subscribe to the ANTICONQUISTA Patreon and follow ANTICONQUISTA on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.Also, listen/subscribe to the Sports As A Weapon Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Deezer, or wherever you get your podcasts.Follow us on:Twitter/X: @sportsasaweaponFacebook: fb.com/sportsasaweaponpodcastInstagram: @sportsasaweaponpodcastTikTok: @SportsAsAWeaponYouTube: @SportsAsAWeaponBlueSky: @sportsasaweapon.bsky.socialVisit our website: www.sportsasaweapon.com

The life and death of Hugo and Venezuela.EXCLUSIVE EPISODE PATREON EPISODE. GET ACCESS AND SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheDeprogram Support the showSupport the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheDeprogramFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDeprogramPod

De chofer de autobús a enemigo número uno de EE.UU. La historia de Nicolás Maduro es más extraña de lo que parece. En este video repasamos su ascenso, sus alianzas, las polémicas que lo rodearon y el momento exacto en el que todo cambió. Una historia de poder, errores, provocaciones y consecuencias que marcarán el futuro de Venezuela. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chapter 41 of The Book of Trump turns its focus to Hugo Chavez, a figure long framed as a villain by Western media but rarely examined in full context. In this episode, Ghost breaks down Chavez's rise from military officer to Venezuelan president, unpacking the 2002 coup attempt, the role of foreign influence, and the narrative warfare that followed. Drawing direct parallels to the treatment of other nationalist leaders, the discussion explores how Chavez was portrayed as a demagogue while maintaining deep popular support at home. From oil politics and constitutional reform to media manipulation and color revolutions, this chapter challenges long-standing assumptions about Venezuela's history and Chavez's legacy. By revisiting original footage, key moments, and overlooked details, Ghost invites listeners to question what they were told and why, and to reconsider how power, propaganda, and sovereignty collide on the global stage.

En défaut de paiement depuis 2017, frappé par l'hyperinflation et sous sanctions internationales, le Venezuela semble à première vue infréquentable pour les investisseurs. Pourtant, ces dernières semaines, sa dette suscite un intérêt croissant dans le monde de la finance, en particulier chez les fonds spéculatifs. Plus d'une semaine après l'enlèvement de Nicolas Maduro par les États-Unis, l'économie vénézuélienne revient sur le devant de la scène. Le pays est, depuis des années, frappé par une hyperinflation massive, miné par la corruption et soumis à de lourdes sanctions internationales. Une situation qui a conduit Caracas à cesser de rembourser ses dettes dès 2017. Contre toute attente, ces dettes suscitent aujourd'hui un vif intérêt auprès des acteurs de la finance internationale, et notamment des fonds spéculatifs. Pour comprendre cette situation paradoxale, il faut remonter près de vingt ans en arrière. Nationalisations, expropriations et montagne de créances En 2007, le président Hugo Chavez lance une vaste vague de nationalisations. Des champs pétroliers, des mines, ainsi que de nombreuses entreprises pétrolières et énergétiques passent sous contrôle de l'État. Les sociétés étrangères concernées sont expropriées et saisissent alors la justice internationale. Le Venezuela est condamné à verser des indemnisations, mais ne s'exécute pas. Résultat : une accumulation de créances et de dettes colossales. La dette totale du pays est aujourd'hui estimée entre 150 et 170 milliards de dollars. Les entreprises concernées conservent d'abord ces créances en espérant être remboursées un jour. Mais face à l'impasse, beaucoup finissent par les revendre, à prix fortement décoté, à des fonds spéculatifs. Ces derniers acceptent de prendre le risque de ne jamais revoir leur argent, avec l'espoir de réaliser un gain important si la situation évolue favorablement. Un pari sur l'avenir politique et pétrolier du Venezuela Ce pari, longtemps jugé excessivement risqué, semble aujourd'hui changer de nature. Donald Trump affirme vouloir relancer la production pétrolière du Venezuela. Or, pour y parvenir, le pays aura besoin d'investissements étrangers, de technologies occidentales et de partenariats internationaux. Dans ce contexte, régler une partie des anciens litiges financiers devient un outil à la fois politique et économique. Aucun investisseur sérieux ne s'engage durablement dans un pays qui refuse de solder ses dettes passées. Pour les fonds spéculatifs, l'espoir est donc clair : une transition politique, une restructuration de la dette et un retour progressif du Venezuela sur les marchés internationaux. Ces investisseurs n'achètent pas la réalité actuelle du pays, mais la probabilité d'un futur plus stable. Pour l'instant, toutefois, rien n'est acquis et le risque demeure élevé. Reste une question centrale : si le Venezuela se relève, le fera-t-il au bénéfice de sa population, ou de ceux qui ont parié sur sa chute ? À lire aussiPétrole vénézuélien: pourquoi les compagnies américaines ne partagent pas l'enthousiasme de Donald Trump

Send us a textEpisode 244Before the speeches and the salutes, there is a boy under the wide Venezuelan sky.The llanos stretch endlessly—flat, dusty, alive with insects and heat. Life moves slowly here, and poverty is ordinary. Hugo Chávez is born into this landscape in 1954, raised by his grandmother, shaped by discipline, faith, and stories told at night. Tales of Simón Bolívar linger in the air, mixing with baseball dreams and the quiet feeling that something in the country is deeply unbalanced.Venezuela is rich in oil but poor in fairness. Chávez senses it early—in worn classrooms, empty promises, and the distance between those who rule and those who wait. The army becomes his way forward, offering order and belonging. He reads, listens, and begins to imagine power used differently, not to protect the elite, but to speak for the forgotten.This is not the sudden rise of a strongman. It is a slow gathering of belief. Long before Hugo Chávez finds his voice, Venezuela is already listening.Support the showInsta@justpassingthroughpodcastContact:justpassingthroughpodcast@gmail.com

It's been just over a week since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the military capture and trial of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The stunning late-night operation on Jan. 3 was welcome news to millions of Venezuelans who have fled their home country over the last two decades, leaving it to descend into corruption and impoverishment, despite controlling the biggest oil reserves on the planet. Among the estimated eight million Venezeulans who left, tens of thousands are Jewish. They faced additional pressure to escape: the regime was strongly anti-Israel, supporting Iran and Hezbollah, which led to the harassment of the local Jewish community. It's a stance first adopted by Maduro's predecessor, the late former president Hugo Chavez, in 2006. While Maduro now faces drug and racketeering charges in New York City, the uncertainty about what happens next has kept Venezuelans confined to their homes, with schools temporarily closed and paramilitary forces patrolling the streets. Some political prisoners are being released, in a gesture of goodwill by Maduro's replacement, while President Trump is vowing to bring billions in investment to revamp Venezuela's oil production. While some Venezuelans say they have great hope now that Maduro is gone, others think restoring democracy is still a long way off. On today's episode of The CJN's flagship _North Sta_r podcast, we hear reaction and analysis from three Venezuelan Jews who have made their homes in Canada. Jonathan Rosemberg Kort and Rebecca Sarfatti join from Toronto, while Daniel Topel joins from Ladner, B.C., south of Vancouver. Related links Read what Irwin Cotler and two other experts concluded in 2018 that Venezuela was committing crimes against humanity, in The CJN archives . Why Maduro's predecessor, president Hugo Chavez, embraced Jew-hatred and hatred for Israel, in The CJN archives . Montreal Rabbi Adam Scheier feared for the safety of Caracas' Jews after a visit to the country in 2009, in The CJN . Learn more about Jonathan Rosenberg Kort's new book on corporate change, published in Nov. 2025. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner info@thecjn.ca Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter https://thecjn.ca/newsletters/ https://thecjn.ca/donate/ Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here ) Watch our podcasts on YouTube

Venezuela's collapse is about way more than socialism and oil. Ryan McBeth breaks down how a resource-rich nation became a cautionary tale on our doorstep.Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1269On This Episode of Out of the Loop:Venezuela's collapse wasn't caused by a single villain or policy — it happened because oil money replaced accountability. Institutions were hollowed out, competence was swapped for loyalty, and when the cash dried up, the regime compensated with control instead of reform.Hugo Chavez's "Bolivarian Revolution" brought real benefits early on — redistributing oil wealth and challenging entrenched elites. But the gains depended entirely on high oil prices, and when those collapsed around 2010, hyperinflation, shortages, and mass migration followed.Venezuela matters strategically to the US because it sits near the Panama Canal and Gulf Coast refineries — making it a pressure point for energy markets, migration flows, and criminal networks. China and Russia have both moved in, treating the instability like an open house.Nicolás Maduro wasn't so much a supreme leader as a traffic cop managing competing mafias. The country's power structure fractured into factions — military, political, criminal — each with its own incentives, making any clean transition extremely difficult.Venezuela's story is a reminder that resource wealth without strong institutions becomes a trap — but it also shows that populations who've experienced democracy and prosperity tend to push back. That memory of better times can become the foundation for rebuilding.And much more!Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!Connect with Ryan McBeth at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and on YouTube. If you'd like to stay on top of what's happening in the world, subscribe to Ryan's Substack!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: Tonal: $200 off: tonal.com, code JORDANQuince: Free shipping & 365-day returns: quince.com/jordanSimpliSafe: 50% off + 1st month free: simplisafe.com/jordanProgressive: Free online quote: progressive.comHomes.com: Find your home: homes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darrell Castle discusses the raid in Venezuela, the capture or arrest of Nichalas Maduro and his wife and whether it was beneficial to anyone. TRUMP'S VERSION OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE Hello, this is Darrell Castle with today's Castle Report. This is Friday the 9th day of January in the year of our Lord 2026. I will be discussing the raid in Venezuela and the capture or arrest as the DOJ calls it of Nichalas Maduro and his wife and their criminal prosecution by US Federal authorities in the federal district court of New York. Did it benefit anyone, was it right or wrong, was it legal or illegal. Yes, folks 2026 has barely started and it has already been quite a year. Was the capture of Maduro an indication by the administration that one year of his term is complete and now the gloves come off. I certainly think that was one of the many intentions of the raid, but not the most significant by any means. What then was the real intent or reason for the raid. The truthful answer to that question is, I don't know and neither does anyone else. We look at it and we see the results short term but what was in his mind only he knows for sure. Let's look first at the legality of the raid. In my opinion it was clearly legal if US law is the judge. The 1973 War Powers Resolution allows the president to deploy military forces; however, he chooses without prior approval of congress if he decides its in the national security interest of the United States. Its's more than a little hypocritical for any Democrat with a microphone to scream illegal because they could always repeal the War Powers Act but they don't/ Why not, because they use it too, and they want it available. When Hillary Clinton rejoiced at the death of Muammar Gaddafi who was killed in a US bombing attack while apparently asleep in his bed, was that illegal. What about when George Bush sent American forces into Iraq and eventually hanged Saddam Hussein, was that illegal. In fact, Trump should be thanked by Maduro and his supporters in congress because he could have sent a cruise missile through his window but instead he arrested him. The DOJ insists this was a law enforcement action whereby a wanted fugitive was arrested in a foreign country. So, the question is, what do you mean by illegal. Clearly it does not violate US law so perhaps you mean it violates your sense of consciousness or morality. Well, most of what the US government does violates my sense of morality but that is not the judge.  I guess the argument then is that it violates international law. My answer is that international law is a nebulous concept that doesn't even exist anymore. International law was invented at Nuremburg as a way to justify dealing with Nazi war criminals when there was little real evidence of the crimes with which they were charged. In other words, it began and ended at Nuremburg. OK then, did anything good come out of the raid. Yes, lots of things, starting with the way the raid was conducted. This was perhaps the greatest and most successful special forces raid in history. Conducted in a foreign capital with very few known casualties. As I said he could have just put a warhead on Maduro's forehead but he didn't so in that sense the rule of law is intact. To carry that thought forward, the President has this very elite force the best of the best and he is committed to using them to accomplish his foreign policy rather than mobilizing vast armies with coalition partners at a cost of hundreds of billions. Everyone around the world took notice and the countries you would expect voiced their disapproval, but at the same time they know he is not bluffing and when he warns that he will act it is prudent to pay attention. It was a demonstration of what the US military can do especially when you consider that Venezuela supposedly had the latest version of Russian and Chinese anti-air defense system. It was Trump's version of, we are still here and we are still the best so pay attention. The other benefit that it is hard to argue against is that Maduro is a very bad man and Venezuela will be better off without him. There was an election in 2024 which was won by Edmundo Gonzalez but Maduro used his military to hold on to the most addictive thing in the world, power. He was so bad as a leader that 20% of the Venezuelan population left the country. I personally know many Venezuelan people some of whom live here in America and some in Venezuela and they are happy he is gone. The pro Maduro crowds of young white liberals marching through the streets of New York are really anti-Trump not pro Maduro. I guess one can justify supporting a vicious dictator if it means hurting Trump. The crowds of Venezuelan people rejoicing in the streets of Caracas are far more important than those in New York. Sometimes I think the people in such demonstrations have lost touch with reality. Certainly, they have lost touch with the needs of ordinary people if they ever had touch with them. It reminds me of when Trump sent the National Guard into the most crime ridden cities to help slow violent crime. Washington DC was the first but my city of Memphis was also included. The people in New York marching against the deployment were probably the same as the pro Maduro crowd but in the streets it was different. I talked to many people in my law office who live out there with reality and that reality is constant fear of violent crime. People told me in no uncertain terms that they were glad to see the Guard on the streets and they felt safer walking or going shopping. The people of the cities worry about whether their kids will be killed in a drive by, and so they are glad for protection. So, Maduro was a very bad man who caused many to leave their country and many more were starving. Yes, he was a leader who lived in palatial luxury while his people starved. Venezuela has one of the largest deposits of petroleum in the world but the people have no gas. We learned after Maduro's capture that the infrastructure of pumping and getting oil to market was in such a poor state that it could take ten years to fully bring it up to speed. Venezuela has all this wealth under its soil and under its ocean but no one cared enough for the people to exploit it for their benefit. Will the American oil companies that are competing for Venezuelan oil use it for the people's benefit. Well, that is a good question but I believe that while trump is president they will. Right now, Venezuela is left in a highly volatile and uncertain phase of its history. Who will lead after Maduro. Delci Rodriguez, Maduro's vice president is in charge as I record this. She talked tough but only for a moment and then she saw the light and started saying something like I will be glad to cooperate with the Americans and I am just glad to be here. That is of course another point and that is that he did leave her in power and let natural progression take its course. Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado said that she would like to see Gomzalez given power because he won the election in 2024 but Trump seems committed to let the laws of succession take their course. So, the next several months are very uncertain and many questions remain. Will Roddriguez accommodate US pressure and demands, defy them, or perhaps some hard line socialist from Maduro's old party, The United Socialist Party of Venezuela, will try to seize power. One thing should be obvious though and that is that the US military will be used if it becomes necessary so the leaders of that country obviously know that. So, the President is reimposing the Monroe Doctrine to protect US interests in this hemisphere. When President Monroe announced his doctrine in 1823 or 24 it was to be a two-way street. To the European colonists he said stay out of our hemisphere and we will stay out of yours. Spain had colonies so it was primarily directed at them and it eventually took the Spanish-American War to get Spain out of the Caribbean. It would be hard to argue that the US has stayed out of European affairs since the US has fought two World Wars and currently has bases and troops all over Europe. In addition, the US has China surrounded by bases and carrier battle groups so two-way street, no not yet. Perhaps it indicates a return to the old Monroe doctrine whereby the US watches its own back yard and lets others do the same. I for one would be happy if that were the policy. In regard to that thought Trump has repeatedly referred to the Venezuelan oil deposits as “our oil. “Is he bringing a Machiavellian concept of might makes right to the table with that expression. No, he is referring to the contracts US companies had with the Venezuelan government before Hugo Chavez took power in 1998. One of Chavez's first acts was to nationalize the oil industry thus stealing all the oil, at least from an American point of view. So, Trump is referring back to the pre-Chavez days and saying by contract that oil is ours and you should thank me instead of criticizing me for enforcing contracts and the rule of law. None of that had anything to do with Nicholas Maduro of course since it happened long before he took power. Chavez named Maduro as his successor from his death bed in 2010. Venezuela is supposed to have free elections but if you know the history of that region you know that often free elections are in name only. You've probably noticed that I have spent very little time on the topic of drug interdiction. That's because the whole concept is ridiculous and had very little to do with US military action. Slowing the flow of narcotics into the US was at best a side benefit but it made for good theater. Interestingly, Bibi Netanyahu made his fifth visit to the Trump White House just before this happened. Bibi has been complaining for some time that Venezuela was allowing Iran to train its terrorists there and he wanted something done about it. So, was it an Israeli operation? I don't know since knowing is virtually impossible but I will wager it didn't hurt. Finally, folks, from all this talk you might get the impression that I am in favor of this attack but no I'm afraid not. America first to me means that we have enough problems at home to last all of our lifetimes and I think the American people are about sick of Foreign policy. Rather than empire building or the imperialism of Pax Americana our concerns are or should be here at home. I reject these grandiose schemes in favor of home and family the way it should be. Let us raise our children in peace and prosperity and keep the price of ground beef modest. At least that's the way I see it, Until next time folks, This is Darrell Castle, Thanks for listening.

Cilia Flores was one of the most powerful figures in Venezuela. She and Nicolas Maduro met through their close connection to Hugo Chavez and once Maduro succeeded him as president, she helped him maintain his more than a decade-long grip on power. Flores has been accused of corruption, nepotism, and links to organised crime and has been sanctioned by the US and Canada. Niall is joined by Venezuelan-American journalist Jose Enrique Arrioja, who is the managing editor of Americas Quarterly and has covered politics in Latin America for over two decades. They discuss why Flores was such a central figure to the Maduro regime. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker

GESTIONNAIRES EN ACTION. Le sujet qui retient l'attention en Bourse en ce début d'année est l'arrestation du président vénézuélien Nicolas Maduro par l’armée américaine, survenue dans la nuit du 2 au 3 janvier, et son extradition aux États-Unis. Nicolas Vaugeois, gestionnaire de portefeuille à Fiera Capital, constate que cette arrestation a pour le moment eu un effet négatif sur le secteur canadien de l’énergie, en recul de 2% depuis le début de l’année, alors que l’indice S&P/TSX est en progression de 1,25%. «La raison derrière ça, c'est le fait que le Venezuela pourrait potentiellement recommencer à exporter son pétrole vers les États-Unis, même s’il y a un important bémol. Le Venezuela produit actuellement un million de barils de pétrole par jour. Si on retourne à leur sommet, en 1997, ils en produisant 3,3 millions. Donc oui, il y a de la capacité d'augmenter leur production puis d'exporter leur pétrole», raconte-t-il. Il précise toutefois que les installations pétrolières du pays sont désuètes et que selon les premières estimations, les remettre à niveau coûterait au minimum 100 milliards de dollars américains. «La taille des investissements constitue un frein important, sans oublier qu’il n’y a pas eu de changement de régime au Venezuela, puisque Delcy Rodriguez, qui était le bras droit de Nicolas Maduro, est à présent au pouvoir», dit-il. Selon lui, il faudra que le gouvernement local vote des lois ou des garanties pour que les investissements étrangers commencent à affluer au pays, pour éviter que des expropriations aient lieu comme ce fut le cas sous les règnes de Hugo Chavez et de Nicolas Maduro. Sans oublier que le prix du baril de pétrole se négocie toujours à moins de 60$US, ce qui rend tout investissement plus difficile à rentabiliser. «À ce prix, très peu vont vouloir s'engager au Venezuela. L’économie mondiale produit actuellement 1 million de barils de pétrole de plus qu’elle n’en consomme chaque jour. Si jamais le pays voulait ouvrir les vannes, l’offre augmenterait d’autant et pourrait pousser les prix encore plus bas», soutient Nicolas Vaugeois. Il entrevoit donc que le prix de l’or noir devrait rester proche de ses niveaux actuels cette année ou potentiellement baisser. Outre la situation au Venezuela, les marchés financiers ne doivent pas perdre de vue que la situation de l’emploi sera critique aux États-Unis. «Les données sur la capacité des ménages américains à rembourser les paiements sur leur compte de carte de crédit ou les prêts auto seront à surveiller», note-t-il. Les marchés surveillent aussi le jugement à venir de la Cour suprême des États-Unis sur la légalité des tarifs douaniers imposés par le gouvernement Trump depuis un an. «Si l’imposition des tarifs est jugée illégale, le gouvernement pourrait devoir rembourser les entreprises qui ont été affectées par ces derniers. Plusieurs sociétés sont déjà prêtes à lancer des poursuites», affirme-t-il. L’autre dossier majeur sera la renégociation de l’Accord Canada-États-Unis-Mexique. *Le balado «Gestionnaires en action» a reçu un honneur, étant reconnu en juin dernier dans le Top 100 des meilleurs balados sur les marchés financiers en ligne par la société américaine Million Podcasts.Pour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr

In 1999 Hugo Chavez was elected President of Venezuela, beginning a years-long ‘Bolivarian Revolution,' following multiple coup attempts, and time in prison. Chavez would go on to govern the country as President until his death in 2013 — passing sweeping anti-poverty programs, nationalizing oil and industry, and opposing US hegemony in the region. Just before his death, Chavez hand selected Nicolas Maduro as the person to carry forward his political program and legacy. Maduro's time in power was hamstrung between domestic mismanagement, US sanction regimes, and authoritarian crackdowns. But at the core of his time in power was the ‘Chavismo' political ideology, created in the image of his predecessor. For a better sense of Venezuela's modern political history, we have a look at its central characters: Simon Bolivar, Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. Today, we're joined by Alejandro Velasco, a professor of Latin American history at New York University, and author of ‘Barrio Rising: Urban Popular Politics and the Making of Modern Venezuela.'For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Cuộc can thiệp quân sự chớp nhoáng trong vài tiếng đồng hồ của các lực lượng Mỹ tại Venezuela để bắt tổng thống Nicolas Maduro đưa sang Hoa Kỳ ngày 03/01/2026 là một diễn biến bất ngờ với đông đảo công chúng. Hành động không thông qua Quốc Hội Mỹ, đứng ngoài mọi khuôn khổ luật pháp quốc tế của chính quyền Trump được nhiều nhà quan sát xem như là một cuộc tấn công vào nền móng của kiến trúc an ninh quốc tế, do chính Hoa Kỳ chủ trương. Với những ai tin tưởng tổng thống Mỹ Donald Trump là người theo chủ nghĩa biệt lập, xa lánh mọi can thiệp quân sự bên ngoài, và chỉ hành động trong trường hợp bất đắc dĩ, sẽ ngạc nhiên về chiến dịch quân sự quy mô lớn, bắt giữ tổng thống một quốc gia có chủ quyền. Tuy nhiên, giới quan sát ghi nhận chiến lược của phe cầm quyền tại Mỹ đối với Venezuela thể hiện rõ quốc gia Nam Mỹ này đã được sử dụng như một phương tiện thực thi chủ trương « Nước Mỹ trên hết » của Donald Trump, và chủ trương « Nước Mỹ trên hết » chỉ có thể thành công nếu Washington áp đặt trở lại quyền kiểm soát với khu vực Tây Bán Cầu. Chống « khủng bố ma túy » chỉ là bình phong Vì sao Donald Trump chọn Venezuela làm mục tiêu của cuộc can thiệp quân sự chưa từng có này ? Nhà báo Gille Paris của Le Monde, trong bài « Đối với Donald Trump, chủ trương ‘‘Nước Mỹ trên hết'' được thực thi trước hết qua trường hợp Venezuela », nêu bật việc tổng thống Mỹ ngay từ khi trở lại cầm quyền đầu năm 2025, đã chuẩn bị các điều kiện cho mục tiêu kiểm soát Venezuela : từ việc ban hành sắc lệnh tổng thống về việc xác định các tổ chức tội phạm và các băng đảng buôn lậu ma túy là « tổ chức khủng bố nước ngoài », một công cụ tư pháp chống lại chế độ Caracas, cho đến việc triển khai lực lượng quân sự quy mô lớn áp sát Venezuela nhân danh lá bài chống « khủng bố ma túy ». Các hoạt động này diễn ra song hành với nỗ lực của chính quyền Trump khẳng định quyền lực của một siêu cường có thể hành xử tùy ý, bất chấp mọi khuôn khổ, đặc biệt tại khu vực châu Mỹ Latinh, vốn được coi là « sân sau » của nước Mỹ trong suốt thời kỳ Chiến tranh Lạnh cũng như nhiều thập niên trước đó. Kẻ mạnh có thể chà đạp mọi khuôn khổ: « Sự thật vĩnh cửu trong quan hệ quốc tế » Cuộc chiến chống « khủng bố ma túy » của chính quyền Trump được nhiều chuyên gia xem như là một bình phong để che đậy các tham vọng khác. Tháng 6/2025, trả lời phỏng vấn tạp chí The Atlantic, tổng thống Mỹ khẳng định có toàn quyền quyết định điều gì có thể đưa vào hay không đưa vào định nghĩa « Nước Mỹ trên hết ». Chiến lược an ninh quốc gia điều chỉnh, được công bố vào tháng 12/2025, ít tuần lễ trước cuộc can thiệp quân sự tại Venezuela, cho thấy rõ chủ trương của tổng thống Mỹ sẵn sàng hành động bất chấp mọi khuôn khổ pháp lý hay đạo lý: « Ảnh hưởng của các quốc gia lớn nhất, giàu nhất và mạnh nhất luôn vượt ra mọi khuôn khổ là một sự thật vĩnh cửu trong quan hệ quốc tế ». Liên quan đến khu vực Mỹ Latinh, chiến lược này nêu rõ là Mỹ phải tìm cách tiếp cận các nguồn tài nguyên và vị trí chiến lược, đồng thời đảm bảo rằng các chính phủ trong khu vực « đủ ổn định và được quản lý tốt để ngăn chặn và hạn chế tình trạng di cư ồ ạt đến Hoa Kỳ ». Theo tài liệu này, Hoa Kỳ « sẽ ngăn chặn các đối thủ ngoài khu vực có cơ hội triển khai lực lượng hoặc các khả năng đe dọa khác, hoặc sở hữu hoặc kiểm soát các tài sản chiến lược » trong khu vực, ám chỉ đến Trung Quốc, quốc gia mua dầu mỏ chính của Venezuela. Châu Mỹ Latinh nói riêng và Tây Bán Cầu nói chung đã được tái xác định là khu vực gắn liền với lợi ích sống còn của nước Mỹ dưới thời Trump. Ngay từ đầu nhiệm kỳ, tổng thống Mỹ đã nhiều lần tuyên bố về chủ trương sáp nhập Canada, Groenland và kênh đào Panama. Tuy nhiên, Venezuela đã được chọn làm điểm tấn công đầu tiên. Dầu mỏ Venezuela: Duyên nợ trăm năm và tham vọng thống trị của Mỹ Nếu như chế độ độc tài của tổng thống Nicolas Maduro thường xuyên bị chính quyền Trump lên án, dầu mỏ được coi là lý do chủ yếu khiến Nhà Trắng can thiệp quân sự tại Venezuela. Ông Trump liên tục khẳng định nước Mỹ phải giành lại quyền kiểm soát các nguồn tài nguyên đã bị chế độ Chavez tước đoạt. Việc lãnh đạo cánh tả Hugo Chavez lên nắm quyền vào năm 1999 đã chấm dứt giai đoạn quan hệ được coi là ổn định, kéo dài gần thế kỉ giữa chính quyền Venezuela trong các thời kỳ khác nhau và Washington. Chính quyền của tổng thống Bush con từng ủng hộ cuộc đảo chính hụt chống chế độ Chavez hồi năm 2002. Quan hệ « dầu mỏ » Mỹ - Venezuela bắt đầu từ năm 1908, sau khi tư lệnh quân đội, phó tổng thống Juan Vicente Gómez lật đổ tổng thống Cipriano Castro, với sự hỗ trợ của hải quân Mỹ, Venezuela bước vào một thời kỳ liên minh thực dụng với Washington. Gómez mở cửa hoàn toàn ngành dầu mỏ cho các tập đoàn dầu khí Mỹ, đặt nền móng cho mối « quan hệ dầu mỏ » kéo dài hàng thập kỷ. Tuần báo Le Point, trong bài phân tích mang tựa đề « De Monroe à Trump : Le Venezuela éternel laboratoire de l'empire américain » (Từ Monroe đến Trump : Venezuela luôn là địa bàn thử nghiệm cho chính sách đế quốc của nước Mỹ), ghi nhận : bất chấp quan hệ song phương căng thẳng, Venezuela vẫn tiếp tục là nhà cung cấp dầu mỏ chính của Mỹ, cho dù chính quyền Chavez mở rộng quan hệ với Cuba, Iran, Nga và Trung Quốc. Dưới thời Chavez, trao đổi thương mại Mỹ - Venezuela, với hàng hóa chính là dầu mỏ, lên tới 50 tỉ đô la vào năm 2007. Sự phụ thuộc lẫn nhau về năng lượng khiến Washington hạn chế các trừng phạt đối với chế độ Caracas. Việc chính quyền Venezuela quốc hữu hóa ngành dầu mỏ từ năm 1976 đã không phá vỡ thế cân bằng này : Venezuela tiếp tục được coi là nhà cung cấp đáng tin cậy cho Mỹ, nên Washington chấp nhận sự độc lập tương đối của Caracas trong Tổ chức các quốc gia xuất khẩu dầu mỏ (OPEC). Donald Trump trong nhiệm kỳ thứ nhất đã thi hành chiến lược « gây áp lực tối đa » với Venezuela, nhằm buộc tổng thống Maduro, cầm quyền từ năm 2013, phải có nhiều nhân nhượng. Tập đoàn Mỹ Chevron, đối tác liên doanh chính của tập đoàn dầu mỏ quốc gia Venezuela (PDVSA), là công ty duy nhất được phép vận chuyển dầu thô từ Venezuela sang Mỹ với khoảng 100.000 đến 150.000 thùng dầu mỗi ngày, ngay trong thời gian Washington phong tỏa các tuyến đường hàng hải, và ra lệnh cấm Venezuela xuất khẩu dầu. Hơn 40 lần Mỹ thay đổi chính quyền tại châu Mỹ Latinh, nhưng Venezuela là trường hợp đặc biệt Theo thống kê của nhà sử học John Coatsworth, được trang mạng Le Grand Continent dẫn lại, từ năm 1898 đến năm 1994, nước Mỹ đã can thiệp 41 lần vào khu vực châu Mỹ Latinh để thay đổi chính quyền. Tuy nhiên, cuộc can thiệp vừa qua chống tổng thống Nicolas Maduro được xem như một trường hợp đặc biệt. Việc Mỹ đưa binh sĩ can thiệp trực tiếp vào lãnh thổ một quốc gia Mỹ Latinh để bắt giữ hoặc loại bỏ người đứng đầu nhà nước đương nhiệm chỉ xảy ra hai lần. Một lần tại Grenada năm 1983, và một lần vào năm 1989 tại Panama. Hai chiến dịch này đều nhắm vào lãnh đạo các quốc gia nhỏ với ít ảnh hưởng quốc tế. Với việc bắt giữ nhà lãnh đạo Venezuela, mặc dù Washington không công nhận ông là tổng thống hợp pháp, Hoa Kỳ đã tấn công một quốc gia có tầm vóc hoàn toàn khác, cả về quy mô và tầm ảnh hưởng khu vực và quốc tế. Thách thức Nga, Trung, hạ nhục cánh tả Về các lý do Mỹ can thiệp vào Venezuela, chuyên gia về châu Mỹ Latinh Clément Thibaud, giám đốc nghiên cứu trường Cao học Khoa học Xã hội (EHESS), đưa ra một nhận định tổng quan trong cuộc trả lời phỏng vấn đài Pháp France Culture (La Doctrine Monroe expliquée):   « Châu Mỹ Latinh phần nào giống như một phòng thí nghiệm cho những gì có thể xảy ra tiếp theo phần còn lại của thế giới, bởi vì Hoa Kỳ khá quen thuộc với khu vực này, họ ít gặp rủi ro hơn khi hành động. Thực tế, tôi cho rằng chúng ta không thể tìm ra một lời giải thích duy nhất cho quyết định của Trump vừa qua. Có nhiều nguyên nhân. Điều đầu tiên là tổng thống Mỹ muốn cho Nga thấy rằng ông ấy có thể làm được trong ba giờ những gì người đã không thể làm được trong ba năm ở Ukraina. Trump cũng đang cho Trung Quốc thấy rằng họ không phải là một cường quốc toàn cầu thực thụ. Trung Quốc có sự hiện diện đáng kể ở châu Mỹ Latinh, đã trở thành đối tác thương mại chính của nhiều quốc gia, nhưng họ không có sự hiện diện quân sự như Mỹ. Vì vậy, rõ ràng đây là một thông điệp rất mạnh gửi đến Trung Quốc. Sau đó, tôi cho rằng còn một yếu tố quan trọng khác, khi hiểu rõ khu vực Mỹ Latinh, đó là trong mối quan hệ phức tạp giữa Cuba và Venezuela, hai nước vốn cực kỳ gắn bó, có các thế lực cánh tả chống đế quốc, chống Mỹ.  Các chế độ này từ lâu đã mất đi hào quang trong con mắt cánh tả Mỹ Latinh, nhưng vẫn là những biểu tượng rất quan trọng. Và giờ đây các biểu tượng ấy đã bị hạ nhục, bởi vụ bắt giữ này và bởi việc đối xử với ông Maduro như một tên tội phạm thông thường, một kẻ buôn ma túy ». *** Lịch sử dường như đang lặp lại. Từ cuộc xung đột lãnh thổ Essequibo với Anh Quốc năm 1895 đẩy Venezuela vào vòng tay Mỹ (xem phần đóng khung trong bài) đến chiến dịch can thiệp bắt Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela luôn là chiến trường thử nghiệm chính cho bá quyền của Mỹ ở châu Mỹ Latinh. Điều khác biệt hiện nay là hành động tàn bạo công khai chưa từng thấy, không cần che đậy. Đối với tất cả các quốc gia châu Mỹ, cảnh báo của chính quyền Trump là rất rõ: Hoặc sẵn sàng đối mặt với cơn thịnh nộ Mỹ, hoặc phải nhường bước trước học thuyết« Nước Mỹ trên hết ».

In the wake of President Trump's sudden military action in Venezuela, ousting Nicolás Maduro and asserting U.S. control over the country, at least temporarily, much of the debate has centered around the wisdom and legality of Trump's actions. Matt Kibbe argues that while unilateral military action by the president is certainly unconstitutional, the more important question is what happens next. Free the People has a long history of pointing out the evils of the socialist regime led by Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, and yet history teaches us that regime-change wars invariably make things worse rather than better. As Maduro's vice president assumes control for the time being, there remain many questions about what the plan is going forward, whether it involves installing new leadership or a boots-on-the-ground military occupation by U.S. forces, or whether the country will simply be left to its own devices from here on out. The answers to these questions will determine much about the future faced by the Venezuelan people.

Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeBEHOLD: White Women in America Vs Venezuelans in Venezuela // Nick Fuentes Goes to Harvard? // Where are the Matthew 25:35 Democrats?Episode Links:NEW: White women on TikTok are fuming following the United States attack on Venezuela, while Venezuelans rejoice.Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he spoke to President Donald Trump to register opposition to the abduction of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro.Venezuelan woman cries with joy upon hearing the news of the capture of the dictator of #Venezuela #NicolasMaduroYoung Venezuelans break out into celebration as news filters through of Trump's strikes against Maduro's regime.  Western commie larpers moaning. Those actually living under communism celebrate.Venezuelan journalist Germania Rodriguez Poleo's message to those who are mad that President Trump captured dictator Nicolas Maduro: "Do not for a moment let your hatred and disdain for Donald Trump have you defending the dictator of my country, which was destroyed by [Maduro] and [Hugo] Chavez and their system 20 years ago. We Venezuelans are very, VERY happy that our dictator has been arrested, removed, and will be put through a trial. It's the first time we're seeing justice in 26 years! Now let's hope they get all of those criminals out of Venezuela and then we can return home."40-year Harvard professor pens scathing piece on school's 'exclusion of white males,' anti-Western trends; James Hankins said admissions committee told him accepting White male applicant was 'not happening this year'Whistleblower audio reveals Cherry Creek School District officials labeled “disruptive” and “defiant” conduct from a Black student as “culturally appropriate” — and blamed it on staff's “whiteness.” What does the scripture teach us about caring for the poor, the sick and the afflicted?BREAKING - Over 40 daycare centers in Columbus, Ohio, all opened under the same defunct shell organization, the Somali Education & Resource Center, have been identified as opening and beginning operations on the exact same day, with combined earnings of $14 million in 2024 alone.What Does God's Word Say?Matthew 25:35

The new year is off to a rough start! Check out this extremely old, ancient even, episode we did George Ciccariello-Maher. We'll be back next week with new content! In this episode, Dean and Matt interview George Ciccariello-Maher about Chavismo, Venezuela, dual power, the communes, Maduro and the ways Christianity might have informed Hugo Chavez' political imagination.

Ryan Wiggins breaks down alleged foreign interference in U.S. elections, tracing Dominion and Smartmatic software back to Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and its potential impact on the 2020 election. He discusses affidavits, whistleblowers, and ongoing investigations, connecting these issues to the recent Maduro capture. Wiggins also reflects on election integrity, the risks of electronic voting, and previews his Wiggins America broadcasts. #ElectionIntegrity #Venezuela #Maduro #Dominion #Smartmatic #RyanWiggins #MarkCoxMorningShow

"Would you hand the fate of your nation to someone who never finished high school?" This episode opens with a question that sets the stage for a gripping exploration of Venezuela's dramatic journey from prosperity to crisis. Kent Hance takes listeners on a vivid ride through the country's history, revealing how the world's richest oil reserves became a symbol of squandered potential and political missteps. Listeners will be hooked by Kent's storytelling as he draws powerful comparisons between Venezuela and Texas, highlighting how leadership choices can make or break a nation. The episode unpacks the rise of Hugo Chavez and the astonishing ascent of Nicolás Maduro, a former bus driver whose leadership led to widespread poverty and chaos. Kent's signature wit shines as he shares memorable moments, including the covert military operation that toppled Maduro and the celebration of Venezuelans eager for change. Key themes and moments include: The staggering gap between Venezuela's oil wealth and its economic reality The origins of OPEC and its Texas connection Personal stories of hope, loss, and resilience from Venezuelans forced to flee their homeland The secret mission "Absolute Resolve," which changed the course of history in a single weekend Kent's reflections on leadership, with unforgettable lines like, "Pick your battles wisely," and "You get what you pay for." This episode is packed with hard-hitting insights, historical context, and Kent's trademark humor. It's a must-listen for anyone curious about global politics, economics, and the lessons Texas—and the world—can learn from Venezuela's cautionary tale.

El mundo entero ha estado pendiente del ataque de Estados Unidos a Venezuela: en la madrugada del viernes al sábado aviones estadounidenses bombardearon lugares estratégicos y militares del país latinoamericano. En apenas unas horas realizaron una operación relámpago que coronaron con el secuestro del presidente del país, Nicolás Maduro. Unas horas después mostraron a Maduro capturado, con los ojos tapados, y camino de Nueva York para una supuesta acusación por narcotráfico. Donald Trump compareció y sorprendió a todos: habló abiertamente de gobernar Venezuela, del petróleo del país y de que la opositora venezolana, María Corina Machado, no era la líder que el país necesitaba para esta transición. Todo esto es lo que se ha sabido hasta el momento, con la incógnita de qué papel ha desempeñado y de cuál tendrá a partir de ahora la vicepresidenta del país, Delcy Rodríguez. ¿Cuál será el futuro de Venezuela a partir de ahora? ¿Cómo se ha podido llevar a cabo esta operación a los ojos de toda la comunidad internacional? ¿Tiene Trump límites en su aspiración imperialista? Hablamos con una periodista venezolana, que se encontraba en Caracas en el momento del ataque, Celina Carquez. Analizamos, también, la repercusión de este hecho histórico con el codirector del Instituto de Estudios sobre Conflictos y Acción Humanitaria, Jesús Núñez. *** Rectificación: en una primera versión de este podcast, se mencionaba que el ataque de EEUU se había dirigido también contra el Cuartel de la Montaña, donde están los restos mortales de Hugo Chavez. Tanto EFE como Reuters realizaron al cabo de los días una comprobación sobre el terreno y desmintieron esa información, que había aparecido en agencias como Europa Press durante las primeras horas. *** Envíanos una nota de voz por Whatsapp contándonos alguna historia que conozcas o algún sonido que tengas cerca y que te llame la atención. Lo importante es que sea algo que tenga que ver contigo. Guárdanos en la agenda como “Un tema Al día”. El número es el 699 518 74See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terwijl de Venezolaanse president Maduro wordt voorgeleid in de rechtbank van New York springen beleggers massaal op Amerikaanse olieaandelen. Die bedrijven gaan de ingestorte olie-infrastructuur van Venezuela weer opbouwen, belooft Trump, en daarmee heel veel geld verdienen. Beleggers hebben daar dus wel vertrouwen in. Of dat optimisme zich kan uitbetalen, bespreken we deze aflevering. Daarin hoor je ook over Samsung, dat de strijd aangaat met Apple. Het bedrijf gaat zijn productie van AI-smartphones verdubbelen dit jaar. Dus als jij op Android draait en AI wil gebruiken, moet je bij Samsung zijn, is de boodschap. Of het die race ook kán winnen, gaan we uitzoeken. Hoor je ook nog waarom de AEX het jaar zo lekker begint, waarom beleggers vandaag op Novo Nordisk duiken en hoe TomTom weer een sexy techaandeel kan worden. Te gast: Erik Mauritz van Trade Republic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Royle was Britain's Ambassador to Venezuela, making one of very few people to have met and worked with all of Nicolas Maduro, his predecessor Hugo Chavez and Maduro's (perhaps temporary) successor Delcy Rodriguez. She shared her unique experiences and insights for this emergency episode recorded on 4 January 2026. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US special forces capture Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro - in a daring attack that's taken the country and the world by surprise. He'd denied accusations by president Donald Trump of heading a narcotics cartel. So, what are the implications of Washington's actions? In this episode: Phil Gunson - senior analyst for the Andes Project at the International Crisis Group. Richard Weitz - a U.S. security analyst and Senior Fellow at the NATO Defense College. Temir Porras - former Foreign Policy Advisor to President Hugo Chavez and the former Chief of Staff for President Nicolas Maduro. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The United States continues to squeeze and isolate the Venezuelan regime led by Nicolas Maduro with another oil tanker being seized, steady military action against narco-terrorist drug boats, and the recent daring extraction of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Both Russia and China tight relationship with Venezuela dates back to the reign of Hugo Chavez, but now Turkish relations with Venezuela have become a major source of support for the Maduro regime. Turkey being a NATO member while supporting Maduro seems raise some eyebrows but why are they so committed to any sort of investment into Venezuela. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Sinan Ciddi, senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and Director of the Turkey program, who says the tightening relations between Turkey and Venezuela needs to monitored more closely, and he breaks down what the two countries are getting from each other. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States continues to squeeze and isolate the Venezuelan regime led by Nicolas Maduro with another oil tanker being seized, steady military action against narco-terrorist drug boats, and the recent daring extraction of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Both Russia and China tight relationship with Venezuela dates back to the reign of Hugo Chavez, but now Turkish relations with Venezuela have become a major source of support for the Maduro regime. Turkey being a NATO member while supporting Maduro seems raise some eyebrows but why are they so committed to any sort of investment into Venezuela. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Sinan Ciddi, senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and Director of the Turkey program, who says the tightening relations between Turkey and Venezuela needs to monitored more closely, and he breaks down what the two countries are getting from each other. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States continues to squeeze and isolate the Venezuelan regime led by Nicolas Maduro with another oil tanker being seized, steady military action against narco-terrorist drug boats, and the recent daring extraction of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Both Russia and China tight relationship with Venezuela dates back to the reign of Hugo Chavez, but now Turkish relations with Venezuela have become a major source of support for the Maduro regime. Turkey being a NATO member while supporting Maduro seems raise some eyebrows but why are they so committed to any sort of investment into Venezuela. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Dr. Sinan Ciddi, senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and Director of the Turkey program, who says the tightening relations between Turkey and Venezuela needs to monitored more closely, and he breaks down what the two countries are getting from each other. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Even within the already brutal record of the Trump administration, the escalating threats of military intervention and extrajudicial killings of civilians in Venezuela stand out as a disturbing return to the most repressive eras of U.S. imperialism. As of this recording, 99 civilians have been assassinated, while the United States has begun amassing thousands of troops and warships in the Caribbean and has ordered a blockade of Venezuela's oil industry. Earlier this month, Trump released a new National Security Strategy announcing a so-called “Trump Corollary,” which asserts a U.S. right to revive the Monroe Doctrine in order to “restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere and protect our homeland and access to key geographies throughout the region.” This military imperialism, and the continued perpetuation of war crimes, must clearly be rejected unequivocally. And at the same time, I side with my Venezuelan friends and comrades in recognizing that the fact that Maduro appears to be the target of an US intervention does not erase the profound violence that his regime has waged upon Venezuelans. This violence has been used not only against Opposition activists, who have been murdered, tortured or imprisoned in the dozens over the last 10 years, but also against the labor movement whose rights to collective bargaining and striking have effectively been abolished. It has also been used against indigenous activists resisting extractivist projects in Perijá and the Gran Sabana, and youth in the barrios executed by police in the hundreds. Our episode today speaks about a different political moment:  when, around fifteen years ago, Venezuela was the site of an incredible experiment in participatory democracy, simultaneously pushed from above and from below, that generated such a strong consensus that even sectors of the Opposition were drawn into participating.I interview Gabriel Hetland, associate professor of Latin American Studies and Sociology at SUNY Albany, who explores the conditions for leftist hegemony in his book Democracy on the Ground: Local Politics in Latin America's Left Turn. While the book is a comparison between Venezuela and Bolivia, we primarily focus on Venezuela, observing participatory reform in cities governed by the Left and Right. The Venezuelan city ruled by the left, Torres, was lauded as “the most democratic city in the world”, dedicating its entire investment budget to a radical and inspiring participatory budgeting effort. But surprisingly, Sucre – a city ruled by the right opposition – also undertook a similar participatory reform, leading Gabriel to argue that for a while, Venezuela's Bolivarian Revolution – led by Hugo Chavez – managed to consolidate hegemony: when the ruling political force forces its opponents to play the game of politics on its terrain, in this case, the terrain of popular power. Just this week, the far-right won Chile's presidential elections, joining Argentina's Milei, and similar right-wing shifts in Ecuador and Bolivia, joining the rise of the right in the United States and Europe. In a moment of an appearing right-wing hegemony, it is more important than ever to insist upon the conditions not only for leftist resistance, but also the construction of alternative hegemonies. Gabriel's clear-eyed analysis, which draws from Gramscian theory but also a very rich ethnographic field work of over two years, shows the potential as well as the contradictions in populist politics, and has lessons for building democracy on the ground in this moment in which it is so sorely needed. Gabriel Hetland is associate professor of Latin American Studies and Sociology at SUNY Albany. He has written extensively about politics and social movements in Latin America and the US for scholarly and popular outlets including The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Nation, Jacobin, and elsewhere.

We discuss the 2003 failed coup of Venezuela's left wing then-president Hugo Chavez. FULL EP AT PATREON.COM/PODDAMNAMERICA

SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defensive lines. NUMBER 2 CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Maduro, facilitating the dictatorship's survival despite mass migration. NUMBER 4 CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediately resigned to return to his farm. NUMBER 9 APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ancestral legacy. NUMBER 10 ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to endure immense losses without surrendering. NUMBER 11 THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replaced by it. NUMBER 14 EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appearing effective outweigh the economics of actual affordability. NUMBER 16

VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 1948 CARACAS

PREVIEW Guest: Professor Evan Ellis Summary: Professor Ellis discusses Venezuela's tragic fall from 1950s oil wealth to current dysfunction, attributing it to the "resource curse" and corruption. He explains how Hugo Chavezappealed to the forgotten poor to dismantle free markets and establish a criminal state involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining. 1958 CARACAS ATTACKING NIXON

Rubén Arranz desglosa la carta que el exmilitar ha escrito a Trump señalando al Cartel de los Soles y el control electoral para asegurar el poder

Dr James Loxton on how modern democracies can crumble as tyrannical leaders take hold, but also how freedom and democracy can rise again, from the Americas to Europe and into Asia.James grew up in stable Canada, where he spent his summers herding sheep in the middle of forest plantations.As a teenager, he hatched a plan to escape his "rough as guts" bush town and the life of a shepherd, moving to India on his own to finish high school.At an international school in Maharashtra, James' classmates taught him about the world outside of democratic Canada, and he became fascinated by military dictatorships and guerilla insurgencies. Later on, years of living in Latin America showed him firsthand how dictators operated, how they are feared and hated, but also revered and loved by some of the people they control.Now James, and many other political scientists, have their eyes turned to America, watching closely to see how the world's most powerful democracy is changing right before our eyes.Authoritarianism: A Very Short Introduction is published by Oxford University Press.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores Donald Trump, Putin, USA, regime, dictators, ICE, Clinton, Epstein, politics, democracy, Chilean presidential election, Russia, China, Taiwan, Philippines, government, globalisation, Latin American politics, Whitlam, dismissal, divisive politics, left versus right, parliamentary versus presidential forms of government, united kingdom, British colonies, Javier Milei, Venezuela, Argentina, Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, Maduro, elitism, drain the swamp, populism, power for the people, tariffs, Peru, Cuba, straw man, Stalin, Hitler, competitive authoritarianism, substance abuse, addiction, alcoholism, alcoholic mothers, homelessness, losing a mother.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

It's Friday, October 24th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Spanish priest acquitted on hate crime charges for criticizing radical Islam A Spanish Catholic priest who was facing three years in prison for making critical remarks about radical Islam nearly a decade ago has been acquitted, reports The Christian Post. The advocacy organization Abogados Cristianos announced in an X post last Friday that “The Malaga Court [acquitted] Pastor Custodio [Ballester], prosecuted for criticizing Islam: there is no hate crime.” In 2016, Ballester was charged with saying, “Islam does not allow for dialogue. You either believe or you are an infidel who must be subdued one way or another.” The Rev. Franklin Graham praised Ballester's acquittal as “good news” in an X post on Monday.  A report published last month by the Spanish Observatory for Religious Freedom and Conscience found that 69% of the attacks were directed at Christians, while instances of antisemitism grew by 38% compared to 2023 and had increased by 867% since 2022. Senator Schumer's shutdown flip flop, afraid of an AOC challenge Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate, has historically opposed government shutdowns. He opposed a shutdown on October 16, 2013. SCHUMER: “What if I persuaded my caucus to say I'm going to shut the government down. I'm going to not pay our bills unless I get my way. It's a politics of idiocy, of confrontation, of paralysis.” Then, Senator Schumer opposed a government shutdown on January 25, 2019. SCHUMER: “Shutting down government over a policy difference is self-defeating. We can never hold American workers hostage again.” And, as recently as March 13th of this year, Senator Schumer opposed a government shutdown then. SCHUMER:  “While the [Continuing Resolution] bill is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse. Therefore, I will vote to keep the government open and not shut it down.” But now, Democratic Senator Schumer is leading the fight for the government shutdown, driven by the AOC/Sanders wing of his party. Listen to CNN's John Berman's introduction of his recent appearance. BERMAN: “Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who joins us now from Capitol Hill. Senator, I was saying that every Republican who's gone on TV the last, what nine hours or so, has called this the ‘Schumer Shutdown.” Later, Berman said this. BERMAN: “Everyone in Congress right now, on the Republican side, is really pointing the finger squarely at you personally. And one of the things they're saying is, this is about politics in New York, that you might face a primary from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.” In fact, Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said as much. KENNEDY: “Senator Schumer, his relationship with the truth is very casual. The truth is that this is a political shutdown. Senator Schumer is nervous as a pregnant nun about losing his re-election to the socialist wing of his party led by Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, which is in control. “Now, we will eventually come out of this shutdown. Here's how I think it will happen. Senator Schumer is a smart man. He's been around a long time. His first car was a chariot. Washington is all he's ever known his entire life. He knows he's on shaky ground here in terms of policy. “So, here's how I think it'll end. Schumer will go to six or eight of his colleagues, Democrats of course, and say, ‘I want you to vote to lift the shutdown.' He'll say, ‘I can't vote with you. I've got to appear to be tough. I may even have to criticize you, but' -- wink wink, nod nod – ‘I'm trying to make the loon wing of the party love me, but you bail me out here.' But he's got to be careful with that, because he doesn't want it to look like a mutiny, because then he looks even weaker.” CA teacher to ICE: “They are not the only ones with guns in this city.” The Department of Homeland Security will refer a California teacher for a possible criminal probe after he made threatening comments toward immigration officials, reports WorldNetDaily.com. Listen to Los Angeles Unified School District history teacher Ron Gochez. GOCHEZ: “Don't forget where you're standing. This is South Central Los Angeles. They are not the only ones with guns in this city. They're not the only ones that don't forget that. And I don't say that because we're calling it for violence. I'm saying that because the people have every right to defend themselves against masked, unidentified gunmen with AR-15s and other military rifles.” Gochez founded the Los Angeles chapter of Union del Barrio—a revolutionary socialist movement that demands an end to capitalism and open borders from Alaska to Chile. The group sees communist dictators like Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, and Che Guevara as heroes. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said that the teacher's comments endanger ICE agents' lives. New Bible story book injects sexual perversion, gender confusion, and woke ideology And finally, a new children's book of Bible stories claims that the Bible has "made-up" stories and events in its pages, drawing criticism from Focus on the Family, reports The Christian Post. The Just Love Story Bible, authored by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Harris, reimagines 52 stories from the Old and New Testaments, weaving in sexual perversion, gender confusion, and woke ideology. For them, the Bible is not authoritative; they are. In the book's introduction to Genesis, the woke authors, who are part of the leftist Presbyterian Church (USA), write, "Some of the stories had made-up characters and events. Others were about real people and things that really happened." Harris, an associate dean at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City, explained her motivation behind the project at a Q&A event for the book in September. HARRIS: “I wanted to do this project with Jackie, because when my kids were little, it was really hard to find a children's Bible that I didn't feel like I had to change some of the words. Like there might be stories that talked about God, like God was a boy (laughing) and only used kind of male language for God. Or they might tell a story, but they wouldn't tell enough about the story to understand whether it was about a made-up character or a real person.” Later, to the audience of parents and young children, she read an excerpt from her woke Just Love Story Bible in which she reinterpreted the plagues and other punishments that God had sent to get Pharoah's attention or the attention of His chosen people, the Jews. HARRIS: “Four natural disasters, one after the other. Well, the prophet and the people thought they were to blame. They thought that the disasters were God's way of punishing them. They didn't know that when bad things happen, like swarms of bugs, floods, earthquakes or tornadoes, it's not God's punishment, but it's easy to worry when bad things happen, to feel like God's angry at you, even when that's not true.” Inspired by the Joel 2:28 passage, Harris also imagined what a young person might envision. HARRIS: “So what did the young people prophesy back then? Perhaps one of them bravely announced to the prophets, priests and people: ‘I don't believe that our loving God sends terrible things to teach us a lesson.'” In an op-ed published by Focus on the Family's news arm, Daily Citizen, Paul Batura warned families about The Just Love Story Bible. He said, "[T]he motives of the authors appear broader and far more dangerous than merely trumpeting diversity. They also want to sow seeds of doubt in children's minds that the events depicted in the Bible are literally true, including the Resurrection.” He added, "Questioning the accuracy and authority of the Bible is hardly a new exercise, but so blatantly and openly selling such a heretical interpretation of God's Word to children undermines God's sacred Word in a particularly dangerous and destructive way." Indeed, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For a time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."  Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, October 24th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, veteran journalist for The Economist, James Bennet joins Chuck to break down Donald Trump's scathing U.N. speech and what it reveals about his worldview: not isolationist, but relentlessly self-centered, with his personal interest framed as national interest. Bennet warns that Trump's grip on power is existential for him and his administration, and if institutions like the Supreme Court allow unchecked presidential firings, the rule of law itself could unravel. From the Cold War's stabilizing influence to the fractures of today's four-party system crammed into two, Bennet and Chuck explore whether America can navigate its political turmoil without mass violence, and how drone warfare, refugee flows, and the collapse of the international rules-based order are reshaping global politics.The conversation also turns inward, examining how journalism has struggled to adapt in the Trump era. Bennet reflects on writing for international audiences, the dangers of catering to niche media bubbles, and why legacy outlets must rediscover local reporting. He argues that deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake that accelerated the collapse of resistance, while public pressure against platforming controversial voices continues to erode open debate. From Biden's misunderstood mandate to the Senate's paralysis and the rise of cult-of-personality politics, this episode considers what reforms will be necessary both in government and in journalism.Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 James Bennet joins the Chuck ToddCast01:30 Trump scolds other nations in scathing U.N. speech02:30 Trump behaved like Hugo Chavez in U.N. speech03:45 Trump is not an isolationist, but it's all centered around him04:30 Trump sees his interest as the national interest06:15 How alarmed should we be?07:15 Things have gotten pretty dark in the past two weeks08:00 Staying in power is existential for Trump & his administration09:30 If you lose the rule of law, you lose the country10:15 If SCOTUS allows fed firing, there's no going back11:00 John Roberts desperate to avoid constitutional showdown12:30 Government will require major reform after Trump15:00 The cold war was a stabilizing force in American politics17:00 America is a four party system crammed into two parties19:00 Public sentiment has been pessimistic the entire 21st century20:45 Can we get through this without mass violence?22:30 It's hard to imagine a productive modern constitutional convention24:00 The last “protectionist race” led to a world war25:15 We're no longer living in the international rules based order26:30 Drones are massively changing the dynamics of warfare28:00 Refugee flows are causing political instability worldwide28:30 Trump has no interest in leading internationally30:00 Trump is constantly campaigning and only for his base32:00 Did we export our politics to Israel, or the other way around?33:45 Only Obama had a majority of the vote in the 21st century34:45 Governors are the only politicians that campaign beyond their base37:00 Biden misunderstood his 2020 mandate and overreached38:30 Who is the Economist reader?40:30 Writing about American politics for an international audience42:30 If you had more resources, what would you focus on covering?43:30 Legacy media needs to give more attention beyond D.C. and NYC45:00 Need to find a new model in order to bring back local journalism47:45 There's too many journalists in D.C. and not enough in America49:30 Journalism now caters to niche audiences51:15 Deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake52:00 Once ABC caved in lawsuit, resistance to Trump collapsed54:00 Public pressures journalists to not platform people they disagree with55:00 Michael Bennet was consensus candidate to replace Schumer56:45 Nothing gets done in the senate, many senators leaving1:00:15 In the TV era, successful presidents have had cults of personality1:01:15 Newsom having success emulating Trump's style Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Chuck ToddCast, Chuck looks at new polling showing just how unsettled Americans feel heading into yet another potential government shutdown. With 93% of the country agreeing that political violence is a problem and a majority believing we're in a full-blown political crisis, partisanship has hardened to the point where disagreement itself is seen as betrayal. Chuck traces how government shutdowns—once unheard of before 1980—became a recurring political weapon, thanks to Justice Department rulings, congressional maneuvering, and laws that reduced the political pain by exempting things like military pay and Social Security. The result: contractors left stranded, bipartisanship all but eliminated, and a system designed to fail.Then, veteran journalist for The Economist, James Bennet joins Chuck to break down Donald Trump's scathing U.N. speech and what it reveals about his worldview: not isolationist, but relentlessly self-centered, with his personal interest framed as national interest. Bennet warns that Trump's grip on power is existential for him and his administration, and if institutions like the Supreme Court allow unchecked presidential firings, the rule of law itself could unravel. From the Cold War's stabilizing influence to the fractures of today's four-party system crammed into two, Bennet and Chuck explore whether America can navigate its political turmoil without mass violence, and how drone warfare, refugee flows, and the collapse of the international rules-based order are reshaping global politics.The conversation also turns inward, examining how journalism has struggled to adapt in the Trump era. Bennet reflects on writing for international audiences, the dangers of catering to niche media bubbles, and why legacy outlets must rediscover local reporting. He argues that deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake that accelerated the collapse of resistance, while public pressure against platforming controversial voices continues to erode open debate. From Biden's misunderstood mandate to the Senate's paralysis and the rise of cult-of-personality politics, this episode considers what reforms will be necessary both in government and in journalism.Finally, Chuck takes a trip in the ToddCast Time Machine to 1974, when congress gave the Freedom of Information Act teeth, plus answers listeners' questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment.Got injured in an accident? You could be one click away from a claim worth millions. Just visit https://www.forthepeople.com/TODDCAST to start your claim now with Morgan & Morgan without leaving your couch. Remember, it's free unless you win!Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction 06:00 New polling out leading into potential government shutdown07:00 93% of the country believe political violence is a problem08:00 Majority of the country believes we're in a “political crisis”09:00 Democrats less likely to talk politics across the aisle10:30 Partisans believe you're on “the other side'' if you don't agree with them12:45 People need to feel secure in having political debate14:00 Independent voters are disenfranchised relative to D & R voters16:15 Before 1980 America never had a government shutdown17:30 Two Justice Department opinions created the legal basis for shutdowns20:00 Government shutdown threats are now an annual occurrence21:15 Two laws passed to make political cost of a shutdown less painful22:45 Exemptions for military pay and social security make shutdowns easier23:45 Proposals for automatic government funding haven't passed26:15 Government contractors can't work under shutdowns or CR's27:30 Politicians deliberately created the conditions that lead to shutdowns28:45 Congressional leadership wanted to create artificial leverage30:00 The incentive structures for bipartisan compromise are gone32:30 Congress had the power to deal with shutdowns and didn't35:00 James Bennet joins the Chuck ToddCast 36:30 Trump scolds other nations in scathing U.N. speech 37:30 Trump behaved like Hugo Chavez in U.N. speech 38:45 Trump is not an isolationist, but it's all centered around him 39:30 Trump sees his interest as the national interest 41:15 How alarmed should we be? 42:15 Things have gotten pretty dark in the past two weeks 43:00 Staying in power is existential for Trump & his administration 44:30 If you lose the rule of law, you lose the country 45:15 If SCOTUS allows fed firing, there's no going back 46:00 John Roberts desperate to avoid constitutional showdown 47:30 Government will require major reform after Trump 50:00 The cold war was a stabilizing force in American politics 52:00 America is a four party system crammed into two parties 54:00 Public sentiment has been pessimistic the entire 21st century 55:45 Can we get through this without mass violence? 57:30 It's hard to imagine a productive modern constitutional convention 59:00 The last "protectionist race" led to a world war 1:00:15 We're no longer living in the international rules based order 1:01:30 Drones are massively changing the dynamics of warfare 1:03:00 Refugee flows are causing political instability worldwide 1:03:30 Trump has no interest in leading internationally 1:05:00 Trump is constantly campaigning and only for his base 1:07:00 Did we export our politics to Israel, or the other way around? 1:08:45 Only Obama had a majority of the vote in the 21st century 1:09:45 Governors are the only politicians that campaign beyond their base 1:12:00 Biden misunderstood his 2020 mandate and overreached 1:13:30 Who is the Economist reader? 1:15:30 Writing about American politics for an international audience 1:17:30 If you had more resources, what would you focus on covering? 1:18:30 Legacy media needs to give more attention beyond D.C. and NYC 1:20:00 Need to find a new model in order to bring back local journalism 1:22:45 There's too many journalists in D.C. and not enough in America 1:24:30 Journalism now caters to niche audiences 1:26:15 Deplatforming Trump was a massive mistake 1:27:00 Once ABC caved in lawsuit, resistance to Trump collapsed 1:29:00 Public pressures journalists to not platform people they disagree with 1:30:00 Michael Bennet was consensus candidate to replace Schumer 1:31:45 Nothing gets done in the senate, many senators leaving 1:35:15 In the TV era, successful presidents have had cults of personality 1:36:15 Newsom having success emulating Trump's style1:39:00 The ToddCast Time Machine 1:39:30 October 5th, 1974 Congress put teeth in the Freedom of Information Act 1:41:00 Cheney and Rumsfeld argued transparency would hurt national security 1:41:30 Lawmakers overruled the presidential veto 1:43:30 Florida has some of the strongest government transparency laws 1:44:15 Multiple states created their own transparency laws after FOIA 1:45:30 Pentagon demanded restrictions on journalists, no outlets agree 1:47:30 We can't have a democracy without transparency 1:50:15 When your party is out of power you're more likely to believe nonsense 1:51:30 Ask Chuck 1:51:45 Parallels between LDS church in UT & OK nearly becoming a black state? 1:54:30 Chances the Republican gerrymanders backfire? 1:59:15 How can Americans abroad stay civically engaged and bring about change? 2:04:15 Where do you get your optimism from in this political climate? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

* See below for the video version of this episode!* On Candace and Megyn* That source, says Thor, the Venezuelan, is a big booster of the shittiest people on Earth* How they shot my mother (Hugo Chavez edition)* The failure of the Human Rights Industry™* How Venezuela collapsed* It's not a country. It's a drug cartel* The hierarchy of South American drug trafficking* The real reason the US struck those “drug boats”* So the 93% cannot defeat the 7%?* Was former congressman Aaron Shock corrupted by Venezuelan commies?* Crooked congressmen. Crooked Kennedys?* A crooked American oil magnate?* On dissident heroism—and American cynicism* The nobility of the human spirit* The useless UN* The million dollar roller bag* How the bad guy$ $pread their influence* And much, much more!As previously mentioned, Never Fly Coach-level subscribers have access to our early video efforts. Wonky angles, swiveling chairs, ugly timecodes, no title sequence…you get the idea. BUT…your feedback has been amazingly positive thus far. If you want to add your two cents (and see our ugly mugs), upgrade and get access to the ever-evolving pilot episodes! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

In Part 3 of the Mike Drop Podcast with former DEA agent Wes Tabor, the stakes get higher as Wes recounts his perilous assignment in Venezuela, a narco-terrorist haven under Hugo Chavez's regime. From dodging Cuban and Venezuelan intelligence to operating solo in a hostile environment, Wes shares heart-pounding stories of undercover operations, evading assassination attempts, and targeting high-value cartel members in a lawless "Wild West" of drug trafficking. He also reflects on the personal toll of his 35-year career, the betrayal of corrupt leadership, and the relentless drive that fueled his fight against global crime. This episode is a raw, unfiltered dive into the sacrifices and adrenaline of a DEA agent's life on the edge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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