The International Risk Podcast Episode 316: After Maduro: Power, Illicit Economies and the New Rules of Intervention
In this episode, Dominic Bowen and Brian Fonseca discuss the capture of Nicolás Maduro and why this dramatic moment does not automatically mark the start of a democratic transition in Venezuela. Find out more about who truly holds power inside the country today, from the military leadership and intelligence services to competing political factions within the regime.
The conversation also addresses the risks of fragmentation and civil conflict, the role of illicit economies in sustaining governance, and the future of criminal networks operating across Venezuela. Finally, they explore the international implications of Maduro’s capture, including the precedent it sets for international law, great-power competition, and the shifting global order.
Dr. Brian Fonseca is a leading expert in national security, foreign policy, and cybersecurity. He serves as Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and Adjunct Professor at Florida International University, where he also leads Cybersecurity@FIU. A Cybersecurity and International Security Fellow at New America, he regularly comments in national and international media and is an on-air political analyst for WSVN–Fox News. Dr. Fonseca has testified before the U.S. Congress and is the author or editor of several books on security and geopolitics in the Americas. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps and in senior research roles at U.S. Southern Command.
The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.
The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more.
Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.
The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.
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