At the 30th August 2026 meeting of the International Left Network, Venezuelan journalist Carolina Graterol gave a detailed presentation by about the current situation in Venezuela following the US-led operation to capture President Maduro on January 3rd. A video of her presentation is available on our YouTube channel as well as this website.
Carolina explained that Venezuela and the United States are in a strategic stalemate, with the US unable to fully control the country while the Venezuelan government made concessions including a new oil agreement that will provide Venezuela with $19 per barrel at $65 pricing, though at significantly lower royalty rates than previous contracts. DM revealed BP’s involvement in new Venezuelan oil prospecting alongside Trump-associated companies.
Venezuela’s Geopolitical Situation Analysis
Carolina explained the geopolitical context of Venezuela’s situation, describing it as a “strategic retreat” by the Venezuelan government rather than a new development dating from January 3rd. She detailed how the United States has historically sought influence in Latin America through the Monroe Doctrine and other means, including Venezuela’s loss of territory to Guyana in 1899. Carolina explained that while Maduro’s capture was presented as a coup attempt, it appears to be a controlled operation where the US wanted to remove Maduro while maintaining the Chavista government in power. She noted that Venezuela has developed an autonomous food production system under Padrino’s leadership, producing organic food through small-scale farmers, which has helped the country survive sanctions.
Venezuela-US Oil Agreement Details
Carolina discussed the details of Venezuela’s new oil agreement with the United States, explaining that the country will receive 1% royalties and a 34% tax on new wells, compared to previous 1% royalties. She expressed concerns about the geopolitical implications of the agreement, including the potential for the US to control Venezuelan oil resources and the $7 billion cost of US military operations in Venezuela. Carolina also shared her observations about Venezuela’s economic situation over the past few years, noting improvements in food self-sufficiency but continued challenges due to sanctions.
Venezuelan Revolution and US Interests
Carolina discussed the Venezuelan revolution’s focus on empowering people through communal elections and government-funded community projects, noting that this movement could pose a challenge to US interests if they attempt to intervene. She explained the complex situation regarding Venezuela’s gold reserves, including how 31 tons remain in the UK’s Bank of England while 69-70 tons were returned to Venezuela, with concerns about the US administering Venezuelan funds. Carolina observed that while the situation remains precarious, there is notable unity in Venezuela against foreign intervention, though the opposition remains significant at 40-45% of the population.
Venezuela Geopolitical Situation Discussion
Pat congratulated Carolina and discussed the complex geopolitical situation in Venezuela, explaining how the US has attempted multiple approaches to overthrow the government since 1999, including sanctions and a naval embargo that limited Venezuela’s ability to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Carolina explained that while the US government cannot directly take power, it can humiliate the Venezuelan government through actions like forcing photo opportunities with Israel, though this has faced resistance from Venezuela’s Jewish community. Carolina shared insider information about a serious incident where Delcy Rodriguez was allegedly coerced into signing a document under duress, though the details of this situation remain unclear and require further verification.
Venezuela Government Analysis Meeting
Carolina discussed the demonization of the Chavista government in Venezuela, explaining that while it’s labeled as anti-imperialist, it’s actually about opposing workers gaining power and rights. She clarified that the U.S. opposition’s claims about elections and political prisoners are part of a broader effort to prevent people from exercising power for 27 years. Carolina also announced an upcoming International Anti-Fascist meeting in London on September 5th at Bolivar Hall.
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