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The Maduro Raid: A Military Victory with No Viable Endgame

The capture of Maduro and his wife was brilliantly executed, but Maduro’s officials remain in charge. The administration’s plans to work through these officials and ignore the opposition will likely fail, requiring additional air and missile strikes.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian — January 5, 2026

Is Venezuela a Critical Minerals Target?

Venezuela sits on sizable gold resources—but geology alone doesn’t make a minerals power. With nationalization, informal mining, and deep governance risks, do minerals factor into U.S. strategy at all, or remain largely irrelevant?

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran — January 5, 2026

What Just Happened in Venezuela? And What Comes Next?

What is the future of Venezuela? Is there a chance for a transition to democracy? Will the United States be able to work with a protégé of Maduro to help govern Venezuela? CSIS experts discussed the aftermath of the U.S. strike on Venezuela, addressing these questions and more.

Transcript — January 5, 2026

Maduro Captured: What Comes Next for Venezuela?

Maduro’s capture is a significant tactical victory for the United States, the region, and Venezuelans. Whether it leads to long-term strategic gains for the United States and Venezuelans, meaning a return to democracy, will be clear only with time.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — January 3, 2026

Mexico: A Pivotal State on the Global Stage

Mexico straddles between the Global North and Global South, leveraging deep integration with the United States while guarding its sovereignty. This chapter explores how history, inequality, and geopolitics shape Mexico’s quest for strategic autonomy on the global stage.

Brief by Ryan C. Berg, Rubi Bledsoe, and Michael Ferguson — December 2, 2025

USS Ford arrives in the Caribbean: Will It Strike or Stand Down?

With the redeployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean reaches a level unseen since the Cold War. The aircraft carrier’s arrival suggests a shift from a campaign against drug smugglers to one that includes undermining the Maduro regime. 

Analysis by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — November 13, 2025

Leveraging Latin America’s Embrace of the United States

Americas Program Senior Associate Evan Ellis argues that the widespread U.S.-friendly disposition of Latin America and the Caribbean creates unique opportunities for the United States in economic, security and other domains.

Commentary by Evan Ellis — November 4, 2025