U.S. sanctions fail to remove Maduro in Venezuela

In Venezuela, U.S. sanctions aimed at regime change have only served to entrench Nicolás Maduro's government since their implementation. Despite the sanctions targeting the country’s oil reserves and broader economy, the desired outcome of ousting the autocratic president has not materialized. Instead, more than 7 million Venezuelans have fled the country, exacerbating regional instability and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The sanctions have become a central instrument of U.S. foreign policy, yet they have disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations, allowing the Maduro regime to leverage this suffering in its narrative against U.S. interference. Amidst this turmoil, the Maduro regime has also turned to military partnerships with Russia, acquiring advanced military systems like the SA-24 MANPADS. This military buildup is presented as a necessary defense against perceived threats from the United States. As Venezuela faces economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, it has cultivated closer ties with Russia, relying on them for military hardware and support. By modernizing its military capabilities, the regime seeks both to deter foreign intervention and to strengthen its bargaining position with the U.S. government. Despite international condemnation and increasing isolation, the Maduro government has maneuvered the geopolitical landscape to maintain power. The regime has skillfully blamed its ongoing economic woes on American sanctions, framing them as an attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty. This strategy has allowed Maduro to galvanize public support by rallying citizens around a common enemy, diverting attention from internal challenges and the regime's failures. The evidence indicates that U.S. sanctions have exacerbated Venezuela's crisis and have ultimately cemented the Maduro administration's grip on power. Many argue that lifting the sanctions could lead to improved conditions for the Venezuelan people, while others contend that they are necessary for pressuring the regime. The issue remains contentious, with international opinions sharply divided over the efficacy of sanctions as a tool for achieving political change.