Donald Trump in Washington on Jan. 6, 2026. (Credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP)
Did the United States’ intervention in Venezuela come as a surprise in terms of international relations, as many seemed to believe? Yes, because the U.S. president’s rhetoric appeared to contradict what Donald Trump had championed as a candidate during his campaign for a second term.The America of restored greatness (Make America Great Again (MAGA)) was not supposed to lose itself in the quagmire of long, costly and seemingly pointless conflicts.Instead, the U.S. was meant to turn inward, refocus on its clearly defined interests, promote an economy that has become, in many respects, dependent on China amid intensifying competition, and once again project the image of a power reclaiming its stature in the international order — vis-à-vis both allies and adversaries. In a similar vein American imperialism isn’t dead, it's gone Trump ...
Did the United States’ intervention in Venezuela come as a surprise in terms of international relations, as many seemed to believe? Yes, because the U.S. president’s rhetoric appeared to contradict what Donald Trump had championed as a candidate during his campaign for a second term.The America of restored greatness (Make America Great Again (MAGA)) was not supposed to lose itself in the quagmire of long, costly and seemingly pointless conflicts.Instead, the U.S. was meant to turn inward, refocus on its clearly defined interests, promote an economy that has become, in many respects, dependent on China amid intensifying competition, and once again project the image of a power reclaiming its stature in the international order — vis-à-vis both allies and adversaries. In a similar vein American imperialism isn’t dead, it's gone...
