Imagine the leader of a country being seized by foreign agents and flown overseas for trial – like a scene from a spy movie, but it really happened recently in Venezuela. 😱✈️ This dramatic twist has grabbed global attention and shines a spotlight on deeper power struggles that affect nations everywhere.
It's not the first time the United States has flexed its muscles in Latin America. Since the 1898 Spanish-American War, the US has intervened in the region over 40 times under the banners of anti-communism, anti-terrorism and the war on drugs. Now, under former President Trump's return to the political stage, this move can be seen as part of his effort to "Make America Great Again" ahead of the 2026 midterms. 🇺🇸🔍
But why do these episodes keep happening? The answer goes beyond any single US administration. At the heart of the issue are three deep-rooted forces – imperialism, colonialism and hegemony – that still shape our world. While the UN Charter promises sovereign equality, many countries lack the means to truly defend their independence, leaving that promise on paper only. 📜
Enter China. Over the past decades, the Chinese mainland has built its own tech systems, reduced reliance on US platforms, and steadily avoided outright colonial control. This rise offers a new model of development and a counterweight to US dominance. Yet even China faces challenges – from arms sales to the Taiwan region to external interference – showing how hard true autonomy can be. 🐉🔌
Latin America today lives in a constant tug-of-war: economic ties with China versus security dependence on the US. European leaders barely batted an eye when Venezuela's president was detained, yet they speak out strongly when Russia acts. Who can really check US power? 🤔
This story feels as old as dependency theory itself. Think of Eduardo Galeano's classic Open Veins of Latin America, which warned of resource plundering and lost sovereignty. Decades later, many nations still haven't found a path that fits their own history and needs – stuck between global giants and nostalgic for leaders like Che Guevara. 📚
Earlier this year, the US National Security Strategy Report made its stance clear: nations must choose a US-led world or one shaped by others – a clear shot at China's influence. The takeaways are stark: defy Washington at your own risk, remember the new Monroe Doctrine is in full effect, and don't count on China for your key minerals and ports. 🎯
The Venezuela crisis is a wake-up call for the planet. Many are looking to China's vision of a "community with a shared future for humanity" as a counterbalance. The road toward fairer global governance won't be easy, but as every Latin American knows, after the storm comes the calm. 🌦️➡️🌈
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
