Engaging Venezuela Is Worth the Gamble
A more realistic policy toward the Maduro regime would free up oil supplies and weaken Russian influence.
Like it or not, he’s still in charge.
Photographer: Gaby Oraa/Bloomberg
In a bid to ease pressure on global energy supplies, the U.S. has opened talks with the government of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, which could lead to the lifting of some sanctions against his regime. Such an outcome would be a blow to Venezuela’s opposition and its desire to see Maduro removed from power. The U.S. should move forward anyway.
Re-establishing diplomatic ties with Venezuela is a necessary step toward harnessing its immense energy-producing potential. It could also drive a wedge between Venezuela and its chief patron, Russia. Steps toward easing U.S. sanctions against Caracas will face stiff political resistance from lawmakers of both parties, who’ve already criticized President Joe Biden for engaging with Maduro. Nevertheless, a realistic policy that emphasizes gradual political reform, rather than the illusory hope of regime change, would not just advance the U.S.’s strategic interests but also the aspirations of Venezuelans themselves.