Analyses by Local Radio Stations on the Current Caribbean Tensions

Inspiring insurgencies to remove Maduro from power without direct U.S. military involvement is Washington’s psychological warfare objective: targeting the command structure without firing directly. This is seen as one of the most realistic projections by Caribbean broadcasters, who are geographically and politically closer to the American strategy. Still, the United States would not hesitate to open fire on vessels or aircraft acting suspiciously with the intention of breaching the blockade. The greatest obstacle to a successful betrayal against Maduro lies in the dictatorship-like system he has consolidated with the military. The armed forces are deeply tied to the regime, enjoying substantial financial benefits, which makes Maduro’s fall equally a threat to their own survival.

Regional radio stations have expanded their debates on the subject, a clear sign that practical moves may indeed occur. Venezuelan broadcasters, on the other hand, avoid independent analysis due to risk, largely following the official government script. Maduro does not appear to be the great strategist on this front; rather, there seems to be a junta fine-tuning both discourse and actions. However, compared to the U.S., the internal propaganda and military drills look childish, to use a softer term than “ridiculous and fragile.” I have no admiration for Trump’s methods: he acts out of self-interest, not for the “good of the world.” If Maduro’s downfall happens due to U.S. moves, it will be largely due to Marco Rubio’s influence. As a collateral benefit, it could pave the way for Edmundo González or María Corina Machado, the only figures who could claim legitimacy at this stage. For the U.S., the power shift would bring direct gains: resuming access to Venezuelan oil, reducing Chinese leverage, and strategically repositioning the flow of the world’s largest oil reserves. Guyana is already breathing easier under U.S. alignment.

Caribbean radio stations tend to highlight the intimidating presence of U.S. troops, which has left Maduro feeling more threatened than ever. His behavior increasingly reveals the cowardice typical of dictators, with signs of preparing for a comfortable escape, an option that may not be available this time.

From an informational standpoint, Venezuelan broadcasters, though censored, still reveal signs of internal chaos between the lines, whether through calls for agreements, appeals for troop loyalty, or conciliatory speeches. Caribbean island stations provide closer testimony of military maneuvers, while Colombian broadcasters offer more lucid analysis. Should Guyanese radio stations take a bolder stance, it would indicate that Maduro’s situation has indeed worsened. Still, regime collapse is not guaranteed, just as it did not happen in Iran. Venezuela has millions of citizens but no real armed power against the regime. Maduro disarmed the civilian population while arming militias. Sadly, part of Latin America still endures pathetic yet brutal dictatorships, while others maintain “soft” models of population control, often disguised as democracies, that remain untouchable.