US Threats Against Venezuela | Current Affairs Lecture by political scientist Gustav Meibauer

Announcement

On Saturday, November 29, President Trump announced that the airspace above Venezuela should be considered closed. He had previously hinted at overt and covert operations in Venezuela. He threatened that the days of “narco-terrorist” Maduro were numbered. And attacks on so-called “drug boats” have already killed at least 80 people. Why is Trump threatening Venezuela? And can the US just do this without sanctions or reprisals? Come listen to political scientist Gustav Meibauer about Trump's threat to Venezuela.

Threat

A US aircraft carrier with missiles aimed at Venezuela is stationed in the Caribbean. What is going on here? Political scientist Gustav Meibauer’s research focusses on muddled state behavior, decision-making and the political dynamics of foreign policy choice, especially with regard to tools such as no-fly zones. He provides us with explanation and clarification.

Maduro

Trump claims that Maduro is the head of a drug cartel that is flooding the US with deadly drugs in order to destabilize the country. Earlier this week, the US added the cartel to its list of terrorist organizations, giving US authorities more powers to take action. What are the possible consequences for Venezuela and the international legal order? And will it stop at Venezuela? Gustav Meibauer discusses Trump's threats of war. 

About the speaker

Gustav Meibauer is political scientist at Radboud University. His research focusses on muddled state behavior, decision-making and the political dynamics of foreign policy choice, especially with regards to tools such as no-fly zones and buffer zones.