The latest US operations targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and official Washington's increased activity in Latin America indicate the beginning of a new phase of geopolitical tension in the region. These processes have given rise to a serious debate on whether the US's traditional policy of influence based on the"Monroe doctrine" in relation to the region is on the agenda again.
Political commentator Peter Tase answered EDnews' questions on the topic. He said that the operation that took place in Caracas on January 3 is a serious signal that the "Monroe doctrine" has been reactivated. According to him, some international relations researchers even characterize this process as the "Dunrow doctrine":
"The increased attention of the Trump administration to South America is not accidental. The main goal of the United States is to minimize the influence of Russia, China and Iran in the region. Caracas' relations with the terrorist networks "Hezbollah", military cooperation with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the production of drones were considered a source of serious danger for Washington," said P. Tase.
According to a political commentator, there are currently more than 900 political prisoners in Venezuela, and Maria Corina Machado is one of the leading figures of the opposition. The presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize to him in 2025 can be considered as a clear message from the international community to the restoration of democratic institutions in Venezuela: "It is a real possibility that Maria Corina Machado will be the next leader of Venezuela. She is working in coordination with the US State Department and is coming to the fore as one of the main figures in the future political processes," he said. At the same time, P. Tase reminded that currently the Vice President of Venezuela, Delsy Rodríguez, continues to remain in power, and a serious factional struggle is observed within the Socialist Party.
According to Peter Tase, the detention of Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on January 3, 2026 was an important turning point in the foreign policy of the Trump administration:
"The operation was carried out with zero losses and demonstrated the high coordination of the US military structures. Nicolás Maduro has caused great suffering to the Venezuelan people for many years and has been assessed as a national security threat by the US since 2020," the commentator emphasized.
According to him, the Venezuelan diaspora living in South America, Europe and the United States openly welcomes the overthrow and retention of Maduro.
Mahammadali Jalalzada | EDnews
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