Episode 492: From Cartels to Caracas: U.S. Priorities in Latin America

Today, Jess, Les, and Amy break down the U.S. deployment of three Navy destroyers off the coast of Venezuela—a move the Trump administration says is aimed at countering drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking. President Trump has also labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist,” doubled the reward for his arrest, and authorized the Pentagon to use military force against cartels, some of which his administration now classifies as terrorist organizations.Is this naval deployment about cartel crackdowns, Maduro, or something else? Does this show of naval power risk escalating tensions, or does it provide the deterrence Washington needs against drug trafficking operations? Does this move help counter China, Russia, and Iran’s growing influence in the hemisphere?Check out these stories that helped shape our Fellows’ discussion: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-warships-venezuela-trump-nicolas-maduro-tension-drug-cartel-accusations/ https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-destroyers-maduro-drug-cartels-e33794ebc24d9031e536d132ce205b4c https://www.foxnews.com/us/u-s-warships-patrol-international-waters-venezuela-trump-vows-stop-cartels@NotTVJessJones@LesterMunson@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/m_OIkqBvppg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.