Episode 129 – Venezuela: Navigating the Aftermath and Path to Transition

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Eric Farnsworth, Partner at Continental Strategy and a veteran of U.S. government and international policy circles, to examine one of the most dramatic geopolitical developments in recent years: the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3. This unprecedented move has thrown Venezuela into political uncertainty and raised critical questions about the country’s future. Together, Clay and Eric discuss the objectives behind the U.S. action, who is now in charge in Venezuela, and what this means for governance and stability. The conversation also explores Venezuela’s economic collapse, the state of its oil sector, and whether lifting sanctions could reopen the door for investors and financial services firms. Finally, the episode looks ahead to what might come next for Venezuela, from potential regime change to the challenges of rebuilding infrastructure and restoring economic capacity. For more from the IIF on Venezuela, read our recent publication here: LatAm Views: Venezuela’s Transition — Early Signals and Market Implications. This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.