Venezuela

In an era marked by a renewed U.S. focus on hemispheric security, Venezuela stands out as a key driver in regional trends. CSIS experts explore topics as diverse as regional security, drug trafficking and other illicit activities, geopolitics, and the prospects for conflict with the Maduro regime.

Photo: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

Can the United States Enable Post-Conflict Stability?

When the United States takes military action, how can it help countries go from that military action to prosperity, democracy, and stability?

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — April 10, 2026

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Iran and Venezuela: Regime Change? | The High Top

Jon Alterman and Ryan Berg compare the swift removal of Maduro in Venezuela with the ongoing war in Iran, tracing what the differences in scope, objectives, and regional fallout reveal about U.S. strategy and the future of regime stability.

Event — March 10, 2026

The Costs and Global Trade-Offs of U.S. Military Action Against Venezuela

U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, now in their sixth month, cost $31 million per day, $3 million of which is unbudgeted. The larger cost is the strategic trade-off in the allocation of military assets: Forces in the Caribbean are not available for other hotspots.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — January 15, 2026

What Just Happened in Venezuela? And What Comes Next?

What is the future of Venezuela? Is there a chance for a transition to democracy? Will the United States be able to work with a protégé of Maduro to help govern Venezuela? CSIS experts discuss the aftermath of the U.S. strike on Venezuela, addressing these questions and more.

Event — January 5, 2026

The Maduro Raid: A Military Victory with No Viable Endgame

The capture of Maduro and his wife was brilliantly executed, but Maduro’s officials remain in charge. The administration’s plans to work through these officials and ignore the opposition will likely fail, requiring additional air and missile strikes.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian — January 5, 2026

Is Venezuela a Critical Minerals Target?

Venezuela sits on sizable gold resources—but geology alone doesn’t make a minerals power. With nationalization, informal mining, and deep governance risks, do minerals factor into U.S. strategy at all, or remain largely irrelevant?

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran — January 5, 2026

What Just Happened in Venezuela? And What Comes Next?

What is the future of Venezuela? Is there a chance for a transition to democracy? Will the United States be able to work with a protégé of Maduro to help govern Venezuela? CSIS experts discussed the aftermath of the U.S. strike on Venezuela, addressing these questions and more.

Transcript — January 5, 2026

Maduro Captured: What Comes Next for Venezuela?

Maduro’s capture is a significant tactical victory for the United States, the region, and Venezuelans. Whether it leads to long-term strategic gains for the United States and Venezuelans, meaning a return to democracy, will be clear only with time.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — January 3, 2026