Introduction

• The USA–Venezuela conflict represents one of the longest-running geopolitical tensions in the Western Hemisphere. Rooted in ideological rivalry, oil politics, and disputes over democratic legitimacy, the relationship between the two countries has sharply deteriorated over the last two decades. The recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump declaring Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety” has once again placed the bilateral conflict in global headlines, signalling a dramatic escalation in diplomatic pressure.

Historical Background of the Conflict

(a) Rise of Hugo Chávez (1999–2013): The conflict can be traced back to the election of Hugo Chávez, who promoted an anti-U.S., socialist, Bolivarian revolution. His nationalisation of oil assets, criticism of U.S. foreign policy and alliances with China, Russia and Iran made Washington view Caracas as hostile.

(b) U.S. Sanctions and Political Breakdown: The U.S. began imposing sanctions on Venezuelan leaders, oil companies, and state institutions, accusing them of corruption, democratic backsliding, and human rights violations. These sanctions intensified after Nicolás Maduro succeeded Chávez in 2013.

(c) 2019: Parallel Governments: In January 2019, the U.S. recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the “interim President” of Venezuela, declaring Maduro’s re-election illegitimate.

Economic & Humanitarian Dimensions of the Conflict

(a) Oil Politics: Venezuela possesses one of the largest proven oil reserves in the world. U.S. sanctions on PDVSA (Venezuela’s state oil company) severely affected the country’s economy.

Oil revenues collapsed, causing shortages of food, medicines, and electricity.

(b) Migration Crisis: Over 7 million Venezuelans have fled the country in the last decade, creating Latin America’s largest humanitarian refugee crisis.

Recent Context: U.S. Declares Venezuelan Airspace “Fully Closed”

In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that airspace above and around Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety.”

Meaning & Implications:

• All commercial and governmental flights of the U.S. and its allies are prohibited from entering Venezuelan airspace.
• It signals a heightened diplomatic and security confrontation.
• The U.S. expresses concerns about Venezuela’s alleged cooperation with hostile powers and transnational criminal networks.
• It increases pressure on Maduro’s administration by isolating it from global aviation routes.
• Humanitarian missions may get affected unless exempted.

This step is seen as one of the toughest aviation-related restrictions imposed by the U.S. on a Latin American country in recent years.

5. Regional & Global Implications

(a) Latin American Polarisation: The move has divided countries in the region—Colombia and Brazil have supported tougher actions, while Bolivia, Cuba, and Nicaragua have condemned the U.S. stance.

(b) Role of Russia & China: Both Moscow and Beijing have criticized the U.S. decision, reiterating their support for Maduro and accusing the U.S. of interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

(c) Humanitarian Risks: Airspace restrictions can disrupt medical supplies, international flights, and refugee movement, worsening Venezuela’s economic crisis.

Conclusion

• The USA–Venezuela conflict is driven by a combination of ideology, power politics, and control over strategic resources.
• The 2025 airspace closure order marks a significant escalation in U.S. foreign policy, aimed at further isolating the Maduro government.

While intended to increase diplomatic pressure, it also risks aggravating humanitarian challenges and widening geopolitical divisions in the region.

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