The Dig Venezuela w/ Alejandro Velasco, Gabriel Hetland, Yoletty Bracho
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Jan 6, 2026 
Alejandro Velasco, a Latin American historian, Gabriel Hetland, a professor of Latin American Studies, and Yoletty Bracho, a political science expert, explore the U.S. assault on Venezuela and the implications of President Maduro's kidnapping. They discuss Trump's imperialist motives, the role of expatriate opposition in shaping narratives, and fears of authoritarian rule in Venezuela. The panel delves into the complexities of Venezuelan politics, migration, and the symbolism of oil, while considering potential backlash across Latin America.
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Regime Change Without Regime Collapse
- The operation produced 'regime change without a change of regime': Maduro removed but Venezuelan state institutions largely intact.
- Alejandro Velasco warns this creates ambiguous power with mutual leverage between Delcy Rodríguez and the U.S.
Oil And Ideology, Not Democracy
- U.S. goals center on controlling Venezuelan oil and reshaping Latin American politics, not genuine democratization.
- Gabriel Hetland and Alejandro Velasco note Trump prioritizes oil control while Rubio seeks ideological shifts.
Inside/Outside Split Shapes Reactions
- Venezuelan reactions split along inside/outside lines: expatriate celebrations contrast with fear and restraint inside Venezuela.
- Yoletty Bracho and Alejandro Velasco stress nationalism and fear of repression shape muted domestic responses.
