The geopolitical landscape was shaken in early 2026 when the United States conducted a military attack on Venezuela, striking key sites in Caracas and capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, quickly drew global attention, not just for its boldness, but for its complex web of economic, strategic, and international implications. From claims of drugs and terrorism to whispers about oil and dollar supremacy, the narrative around this historic event is both layered and divisive.
In India and across the world, citizens and observers are asking the same question: why would the US strike a sovereign nation? Compounding the confusion are comments from finance influencers who tie this conflict to deeper economic motives. Their perspectives help decode the subtler undercurrents shaping this crisis. Their voices add colour to what might otherwise seem like dry geopolitical reporting.
Narcotics, national security and Maduro’s capture
According to the United States administration, the strikes on Venezuela were justified on grounds of drug trafficking, regional security risks, and alleged narco-terrorism operations tied to the Maduro regime. Reports indicate that the US struck multiple military and civilian targets, resulting in explosions around Caracas and leading to Maduro’s capture and transport to New York for federal indictment.
President Trump has stated that Venezuela’s links to criminal networks and destabilising activities posed a threat to US interests. He further hinted that the US would temporarily “run” Venezuela post-operation to ensure stability and the effective management of key sectors, especially oil infrastructure.
Global reactions split sharply. Russia, China, Iran, and others condemned the military action as a violation of international law, while some nations, including Argentina and Israel, were seen as quiet supporters of the US stance for strategic or economic reasons, a dynamic explained in detail by finance creator @casarthakahuja, who broke down how geopolitical dependencies, defence ties, IMF influence, and regional rivalries shape these alignments.
Oil, dollar dominance and influencer insights
Beyond official narratives lie broader economic interpretations from independent voices. Several finance personalities have argued that the US attack on Venezuela goes beyond drugs or security.
One influencer pointed out a familiar pattern, comparing this situation to the 2003 Iraq war. They said the real motive was economic control, in Iraq it was challenging dollar dominance, and in Venezuela, the focus is on its vast oil reserves and shifting away from dollar-based trade. According to this view, “the US dollar’s central role in global trade, especially oil, underpins much of American power.” This echoes the concerns that nations selling oil outside the dollar system threaten US financial hegemony, a thesis put forward by creator @kirtanshahfcp.
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Another commentary highlighted Venezuela’s unique heavy crude oil. It’s a resource the US doesn’t produce domestically in abundance. And it is suggested that lobbying by major oil firms may influence policy. The argument follows that foreign oil resources and geopolitical alliances often intersect with corporate interests, blurring the line between national strategy and economic self-interest, a perspective shared by @rishibane_, who also pointed to the Exxon Mobil–Guyana–Venezuela triangle and the role of oil lobbying in US foreign policy.
These economic arguments build on a broader ideological critique articulated by influencer @thekiranyadavv, who questioned America’s moral positioning as a global peacekeeper while accusing it of historically using military force against smaller nations when political alignment or oil access does not serve its interests.
While these influencer viewpoints are speculative, they underscore a critical point: modern conflicts often have economic layers that go beyond what governments publicly declare.
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The US attack on Venezuela in 2026 marks one of the most contentious foreign policy actions of the decade. Official rationales cite security and narcotics, while critics see deeper motives tied to oil, global influence, and economic leverage. The conflict has provoked worldwide reactions, reshaped diplomatic alignments, and triggered intense debate across social and financial spheres.
For India and other nations navigating this new world order, the Venezuela crisis is a cautionary tale of geopolitics, economics, and power, where military might intersect with financial strategy, and global alliances are continuously redefined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the US attack Venezuela?
The US cited national security, alleged drug trafficking, and narco-terrorism as primary reasons for the military operation.
Was Maduro captured?
Yes, President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were reportedly captured during the operation and transported to New York to face federal charges.
Is oil a factor?
Observers and finance commentators argue that Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and shifts away from the US dollar system may influence strategic motives.
How has the world reacted?
Reactions are mixed: China, Russia, and Iran condemned the move, while some countries showed support or neutrality.
Will this affect global markets?
Yes, geopolitical instability in a major oil-producing nation could ripple through global energy markets and influence currency dynamics.
