The Monocle Daily US Congress roiled by Venezuelan strikes and the latest from the Xi-Macron meeting
Dec 4, 2025
Alex von Tonzelman, a historian and author, delves into the historical context of U.S. interventions in Latin America, relating them to current events in Venezuela. Nick Gowing, an analyst, discusses the geopolitical implications of military actions and the legal challenges faced by Congress. They examine the authoritarian tendencies of leaders who may act unilaterally, alongside commentary on Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron’s economic diplomacy. The duo also touches on the ethics of conflict-zone tourism and the changing dynamics of drinking culture.
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Domestic Weakness Fuels Foreign Intervention Risk
- Trump has shown willingness to bypass norms and Congress when pursuing foreign interventions.
- Domestic political weakness can drive leaders to consider foreign action to rally support.
Restore Congressional Oversight
- Congress and senators are attempting bipartisan measures to block unilateral military action without approval.
- Lawmakers should continue pressing for formal restraints to restore constitutional oversight.
Gunboat Diplomacy Isn't New
- The Venezuela situation echoes a long history of US interventions across the Caribbean and Latin America.
- Past operations like 1960s Operation Power Pack show similar pretexts and patterns of intervention.
