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The Costs and Global Trade-Offs of U.S. Military Action Against Venezuela

U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, now in their sixth month, cost $31 million per day, $3 million of which is unbudgeted. The larger cost is the strategic trade-off in the allocation of military assets: Forces in the Caribbean are not available for other hotspots.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — January 15, 2026

Imagery from Venezuela Shows a Surgical Strike, Not Shock and Awe

CSIS experts analyze new satellite imagery of U.S. strikes against Venezuela carried out during the mission to capture Nicolás Maduro.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg, Mark F. Cancian, Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Jennifer Jun, Henry Ziemer, and Chris H. Park — January 9, 2026

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

U.S. Carrier to the Caribbean: A Step Closer to War

Moving a carrier strike group is highly significant. U.S. forces are increasingly well positioned to conduct an air campaign against either the cartels or Venezuela—but don't yet have the combat power for a ground invasion.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — October 24, 2025

Will the Tomahawks Save Ukraine?

About a thousand Tomahawk missiles in the U.S. stockpile today are available for transfer to Ukraine. They could have a major impact on the war, but the Pacific theater needs and Russian opposition could disrupt any deal.

Critical Questions by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — October 17, 2025

Improving U.S. Cooperation with Allies and Partners

To make the most of its vast network of allies and partners, the United States must understand the barriers inhibiting U.S.-allied cooperation and devise ways to overcome them.

Report by Daniel Byman, Alexander Palmer, Audrey Aldisert, Henry H. Carroll, Cynthia R. Cook, Chris H. Park, and Seth G. Jones — October 14, 2025

Trump’s War on Drug Cartels: Interdiction in the Caribbean or Invasion of Venezuela?

Trump’s notification to Congress determining an “armed conflict” with drug cartels marks the latest escalation in ongoing U.S. operations in the Caribbean against Venezuelan drug boats. While raising concerns of potential military intervention in Venezuela, assets currently deployed fall short of what an invasion or raid would require. 

Analysis by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — October 3, 2025

Going to War with the Cartels: The Military Implications

The Trump administration blew up a suspected Venezuelan drug boat and warns of further attacks. It has, in effect, declared war on the cartels. What are the military implications of such a war?

Critical Questions by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — September 8, 2025