The Geopolitics of the American Continent: Washington, Venezuela, and the Challenges of Sovereignty

 Venezuela at the center of the geopolitics of the American continent

Introduction

The Americas have historically been the scene of political, military, and economic disputes that have shaped the fate of their people. In recent years, Venezuela has become one of the most sensitive points on this geopolitical board. Washington's mobilization of forces, under the pretext of "defending democracy," reignites tensions and raises fears of military intervention. This movement reveals not only a clash between the United States and Caracas, but also a dispute over the self-determination of peoples and sovereignty in the Americas.

Analyzing this scenario is crucial not only for understanding the Venezuelan reality but also for reflecting on the future of geopolitics in the Americas. After all, world peace and coexistence among nations necessarily depend on respect for sovereignty and the rejection of external intervention (CHOMSKY, 2019).

1. History of US foreign policy in the Americas

Since the 19th century, the United States has assumed an interventionist role in the Americas. The Monroe Doctrine, proclaimed in 1823, already expressed the idea that America should be Washington's exclusive sphere of influence, summarized in the phrase "America for the Americans" (MONROE, 1823).

During the 20th century, this vision materialized in several interventions:

• The occupation of countries in Central America and the Caribbean;

• Sponsoring military coups in South America, such as in Chile in 1973;

• Direct influence on economic policy through the IMF and the World Bank.

According to Galeano (2004, p. 15), “the history of Latin America is the history of its open veins, bled by external powers.” This pattern of intervention is the backdrop for understanding the current scenario involving Venezuela.

2. Venezuela at the center of regional geopolitics

Venezuela is not just a Latin American country in crisis: it is the nation with one of the world's largest oil reserves. This strategic resource sparks global interests and places Caracas at the center of power struggles.

Beyond the energy issue, Venezuela has cemented ties with countries like Russia, China, and Iran, challenging US hegemony on the continent. For Escobar (2019), Venezuelan resistance has become "a symbol of the quest for autonomy in the Americas."

Therefore, any attempt to intervene in Venezuela transcends national borders: it is, in truth, a movement with implications for the entire geopolitics of the American Continent.

3. Washington's mobilization of forces against Venezuela

The Outras Palavras platform article warns of the intensification of the US military presence in the region, highlighting joint exercises and strategic movements close to the Venezuelan borders (FUSER, 2023).

These actions are justified under the narrative of "defending democracy" or "fighting drug trafficking." However, analysts point out that the real objective is to weaken Nicolás Maduro's government and regain control over the country's strategic resources (ELLNER, 2020).

This mobilization of forces generates regional instability, threatens world peace and calls into question Venezuela's right to self-determination, a principle enshrined in the United Nations Charter (UN, 1945).

Political map of South America

4. Impacts on the geopolitics of the American continent

The heightened tension between Washington and Caracas is reverberating throughout Latin America. Regional blocs such as Mercosur, CELAC, and UNASUR are divided between supporting Venezuelan sovereignty and aligning themselves with U.S. foreign policy.

According to Souza (2021), “the dispute over Venezuela is, above all, a dispute over the future of the American continent, between the continuity of US hegemony and the construction of a multipolar order”.

This scenario can lead to three possible paths:

1. Military escalation , with risk of direct conflict.

2. Continued economic pressure , keeping Venezuela isolated.

3. Diplomatic dialogue , in which the region seeks its own solutions, without external tutelage.

5. The importance of self-determination and world peace

Beyond strategic issues, the mobilization of forces against Venezuela raises a broader question: what is the future of coexistence in the Americas?

The principle of self-determination of peoples, championed by the Bom Dia América Blog, is a fundamental pillar of the international order. As Celso Amorim (2015, p. 87) points out, "sovereignty is not an obstacle to peace, but a condition for its authentic flourishing."

Therefore, any attempt at external intervention not only threatens Venezuela but also weakens the democratic fabric of the entire region. World peace can only be achieved with respect for sovereignty and dialogue between nations.

Conclusion

The Venezuelan case reveals much more than a dispute between Washington and Caracas: it reflects the challenges faced by the American continent in the face of external pressure and the struggle for sovereignty.

If Latin America wishes to assert itself as an autonomous and peaceful region, it will be necessary to strengthen integration mechanisms, resist military interventions, and value diplomatic dialogue.

The future of the American continent depends, above all, on the ability of its people to defend peace, self-determination and dignity in the face of external powers.

References

AMORIM , Celso. Tehran, Ramallah and Doha: memories of active and proud foreign policy . São Paulo: Benvirá, 2015.

CHOMSKY , Noam. Who rules the world? . São Paulo: Planeta, 2019.

ELLNER , Steve. “The Venezuelan Crisis and US Intervention”. Latin American Perspectives , vol. 47, no. 6, p. 12–28, 2020.

ESCOBAR , Pepe. “Venezuela and the battle for the Americas”. Asia Times , 2019. Available at: https://asiatimes.com/2019/02/venezuela-and-the-battle-for-the-americas/ . Accessed on: September 3, 2025.

FUSER , Igor. “Venezuela: US war drums sound”. Outras Palavras , 2023. Available at: https://share.google/KllF5hmBn7hN8d2tI . Accessed on: September 3, 2025.

GALEANO , Eduardo. The Open Veins of Latin America . 41st ed. Rio de Janeiro: Paz e Terra, 2004.

MONROE , James. The Monroe Doctrine . Washington, 1823.

UN . Charter of the United Nations . San Francisco: UN, 1945.

SOUZA , Amaury de. “Geopolitics of Latin America in the 21st Century”. Brazilian Journal of International Politics , v. 64, n. 2, 2021.