In the three weeks since the apparent assassination attempt on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the United States has sought to maintain pressure on the Maduro government, but its approach has lacked clarity, according to analysts.
The 4 August drone attack, which Maduro has blamed on Colombia and the US, has further inflamed the political crisis in Venezuela. While the US has condemned the incident and reiterated its support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, it has stopped short of direct intervention.
Instead, the Trump administration has focused its efforts on tightening sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, a crucial source of revenue for Maduro’s government. Earlier this month, the US banned American companies from engaging in the purchase, transport or related transactions of Venezuelan gold.
“The US strategy appears to be one of ‘remote coercion’ – applying economic pressure while avoiding direct military involvement,” said Dr. Emily Thompson, a Venezuela expert at the University of London. “This reflects an acknowledgement of the complexities and risks of deeper intervention.”
Analysts warn, however, that this approach carries its own dangers. “Squeezing Venezuela’s economy may only serve to further entrench Maduro’s authoritarian rule and deepen the suffering of the Venezuelan people,” cautioned Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, a fellow at the Brookings Institution.
There are also concerns that the US is not doing enough to support a peaceful, negotiated solution to the crisis. “Ultimately, a sustainable resolution will require genuine dialogue and compromise between the government and opposition,” said Dr. Thompson. “The US needs to be facilitating that process, not just ratcheting up the pressure.”
With Maduro showing no signs of ceding power, and the opposition divided, the path forward remains highly uncertain. “Venezuela is a tinderbox, and the risk of further instability and violence is very real,” warned Dr. Gonzalez. “The US needs to tread carefully and prioritise a diplomatic solution, rather than escalating the confrontation.”
As the crisis drags on, the Trump administration will face increasing calls to articulate a more coherent and comprehensive strategy for addressing the Venezuela situation. Failure to do so, analysts warn, could further destabilise the region and undermine US influence.
