This article analyzes the US three-hour special operation in Venezuela, the imposed oil sanctions, and their effect on Maduro's regime. The author draws economic comparisons: Venezuela as an oil-exporting country, Russia as a shadow oil giant, and Ukraine as a raw material exporter plagued by corruption.
The blockade of tankers began in December, with the US blocking over 100 Venezuelan oil tankers. Before the blockade, Venezuela exported up to 630,000 barrels of oil daily; after, only about 100,000, much of it via so-called "phantom ships" that evaded sanctions. The events are viewed as a warning to Russia about the consequences of sanction circumvention.
A historical overview notes that Venezuela's oil sector was built with American investment, but in the 2000s, large-scale expropriation and nationalization occurred. Western assets were seized, providing justification for tough US measures, including sanctions and military intervention.
The article highlights the effect on China, the biggest buyer of Venezuela’s heavy oil, and discusses the global oil market's limited response due to Venezuela's minor share. The Venezuelan case serves as an instructive example of rapid regime change and a warning to similar raw-material-dependent economies.
Conclusions are drawn regarding the importance of power in modern international relations, the impact of sanctions, and the need for optimal solutions for countries with similar economic structures.
