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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

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

The Golden Fleet’s Battleship Will Never Sail

The recently announced “Trump” class of battleships is cast as the world’s largest and most powerful ships. But these ships will take years to design, cost $9 billion each, and run counter to the Navy's new concept of distributed operations. They will never be built.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian — December 23, 2025

The Unfinished Plan for Peace in Ukraine: Provision by Provision

President Trump is pressuring Ukraine to sign his 28-point “peace agreement,” amid criticism that the plan is pro-Russian and too vague to implement. This is not an agreement but may be a starting point. Indeed, the Europeans have put forth their own, more balanced version.

Report by Mark F. Cancian and Maria Snegovaya — November 24, 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

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