Control oil and you control nations.” This geopolitical maxim, often attributed to Henry Kissinger, appears to be the unwritten doctrine guiding the White House, overshadowing any public declarations of peace. While US President Donald Trump frequently touts his record of halting 8 global conflicts during his tenure, the ground reality of American foreign policy paints a starkly different picture. From challenging Bashar al-Assad in Syria to pressuring Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela and escalating tensions with Iran, a pattern emerges that transcends mere coincidence. The common denominator linking these geopolitical hotspots is undeniable: ‘Black Gold,’ or Crude Oil. Despite the United States’ rhetoric about restoring democracy, its strategic gaze remains fixed on the vast energy reserves of these nations—resources essential for maintaining American economic supremacy.

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Venezuela: A $17 Trillion Treasure Chest in American Sights

Venezuela stands as the most burning example of this geopolitical game. This South American nation possesses the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, holding approximately 300 billion barrels. If calculated at current international market rates, this asset is valued at roughly $17 trillion. To put this astronomical figure into perspective, it rivals the size of the world’s third-largest economy. For comparison, the total GDP of the US is roughly $30 trillion, China’s is $19 trillion, and India’s is $4 trillion. This raises a legitimate question: is there a massive private economic interest hiding behind Trump’s ‘anti-war’ image? The US understands well that whoever controls the energy sources will likely dictate the rhythm of the future world order.

The Battle for Oil Disguised as Democracy

American aggression towards Venezuela cannot be viewed solely through the lens of political instability or dictatorship. Geopolitical experts clearly believe that Trump’s primary objective is to establish control for American companies over Venezuela’s oil reserves. Venezuela is a key member of OPEC and plays a crucial role in determining global oil prices. If the US succeeds in orchestrating a coup and installing a government of its choice—effectively a ‘puppet government’—Washington would gain unilateral dominance over the global oil market. This would not only secure America’s energy needs but also allow it to control oil prices to suit its own economic interests while weakening its rivals.

The Battle for Oil Disguised as Democracy

American hostility toward Caracas cannot be attributed solely to concerns over political instability or authoritarianism. Geopolitical analysts argue that the primary objective is securing control for American corporations over Venezuela’s energy sector. As a founding member of OPEC, Venezuela plays a pivotal role in global oil pricing. If Washington succeeds in orchestrating a regime change to install a compliant administration—effectively a ‘puppet government’—it would secure unilateral dominance over the global oil market. This would allow the US to not only safeguard its energy security but also manipulate oil prices to bolster its own economy while simultaneously squeezing its adversaries.

Targeting Russia Through Syria and Venezuela

US intervention in Syria and Venezuela constitutes a direct strike against Russia’s global influence. Vladimir Putin has remained a steadfast ally to both Bashar al-Assad and Nicolás Maduro. Russia’s state-owned energy giant, Rosneft, has poured billions into Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. The Trump administration recognizes that a successful coup resulting in a pro-American government would likely nullify these investments, dealing a crippling blow to the Russian economy. Beyond economics, both nations are strategically vital footholds for Moscow. By toppling these allied regimes, the US aims to dismantle Russia’s international reach, ensuring America remains the undisputed superpower in a post-Cold War landscape.

European Dissent and Cracks in the Western Alliance

America’s traditional European allies—specifically France, Italy, and Germany—are not pleased with Trump’s aggressive ‘coup policy.’ There are solid, practical reasons for this dissatisfaction. European nations do not want to depend on a single country for their energy security. They fear that if the US gains a monopoly over Venezuelan or Iranian oil, or ignites a war there, oil prices will skyrocket, having a direct and negative impact on the already struggling European economy. Additionally, Europe has yet to fully recover from the Refugee Crisis spawned by the Syrian war. If a civil war were to break out in Venezuela or Iran, a new and terrible wave of migration would begin. Since the US is geographically distant, the burden of these refugees would once again fall on Western nations. This is why they are resentful of Trump’s “Bullying Diplomacy,” which sidelines the interests of allies to serve only American self-interest.