Venezuela’s End: Was a Deal Struck?

Peter Zeihan 4 min

No deal exists because Russia and China lack the ability to offer security guarantees. The US will completely dismantle China's position in the hemisphere with minimal effort this year.

Chapters

  1. 0:00

    The Myth of a Strategic Deal

    No deal exists because Russia and China lack the military power to offer security guarantees in exchange for concessions. Russia cannot project power globally as its navy is confined to its near abroad and its army is tied up in Ukraine. Russian investments in Venezuela's oil sector have yielded zero returns due to Chevron's operational dominance.

  2. 2:17

    China's Naval Constraints

    China cannot operate independently in Latin America because its navy is blocked by the first island chain. The United States is actively dismantling the system that allowed Chinese ships to operate freely in the hemisphere.

  3. 3:53

    Upcoming Dismantling of Chinese Position

    The US will completely dismantle China's position in the hemisphere with minimal military effort this year.

Key points

  • 0:00

    No deal exists because Russia and China lack the ability to offer security guarantees.

  • 0:00

    Russia cannot project power globally as its navy is confined to its near abroad.

  • 0:00

    Russian investments in Venezuela's oil sector have yielded zero returns due to Chevron's dominance.

  • 2:17

    China cannot operate independently in Latin America because its navy is blocked by the first island chain.

  • 2:17

    The United States is actively dismantling the system that allowed Chinese ships to operate freely.

  • 3:53

    The US will completely dismantle China's position in the hemisphere with minimal effort this year.

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