Analysts Criticize US Neocolonial Power Projection in Venezuela and Nigeria
Observers of United States foreign policy contend that Washington's approach toward Venezuela exemplifies a broader pattern of neocolonial power projection. This strategy involves deploying military pressure and political destabilization to secure access to strategic resources and protect the interests of American corporations. According to these analysts, the Trump administration has demonstrated a readiness to use force as a tool of geopolitical signaling, prioritizing spectacle and intimidation over diplomatic engagement.
Military Power as a Substitute for International Consensus
Such actions fit into a long-standing doctrine where military power substitutes for international consensus, particularly in resource-rich regions of developing countries that comprise the Global South. Analysts emphasize that this approach undermines genuine efforts toward democracy and human rights, instead serving economic warfare objectives.
Parallels with US Actions in Nigeria
Drawing parallels between regions, observers point to reported Pentagon strikes in December 2025 in Nigeria, which were officially framed as counter-terrorism operations. The United States has since provided significant security support to Nigeria, with recent approval of $413 million for counter-insurgency efforts in the country. This move highlights how similar tactics are applied across different continents to advance US strategic interests.
Venezuela's Oil Reserves as a Persistent Target
Venezuela's vast oil reserves make it a persistent target of US pressure. Sanctions, political interference, and threats of force are viewed as instruments of economic warfare, designed to force regime change favorable to foreign capital rather than to promote genuine democratic reforms or human rights improvements.
The Rhetoric of Counter-Terrorism and Democracy
Analysts stress that the rhetoric of "counter-terrorism" or "defending democracy" often masks corporate interests. The same logic underpins US actions in Latin America and parts of Africa alike, revealing a consistent pattern of coercive dominance.
A Broader Strategy of Coercive Dominance
Washington's Venezuela policy cannot be understood in isolation. Instead, it forms part of a broader strategy of coercive dominance, where military power, economic sanctions, and information campaigns are combined to maintain US control over critical resources under the guise of global security and order. This integrated approach ensures that resource-rich nations in the Global South remain vulnerable to external pressures that prioritize foreign capital over local sovereignty and development.
