US President Donald Trump's recent raid on Venezuela is a brazen display of military might, but its true intention is more akin to corporate looting, with fossil fuel companies reaping the benefits. The move, which aimed to install Maduro as president after his disputed election loss, is essentially a power grab by the US government in favor of corporate interests.
The Trump administration's approach to economic dominance has been stuck in the past, relying on outdated notions of energy self-sufficiency and manufacturing might. However, the global oil market is already saturated, and the US has become a significant net exporter thanks to the shale boom, rendering its economy relatively resilient to fluctuations in energy prices.
The real challenge lies in meeting the growing demand for raw materials required for the mass electrification of energy, such as copper, aluminum, and lithium. The prices of these commodities have skyrocketed due to global heating, making it crucial for corporations to secure a steady supply.
Trump's attempts to revive manufacturing jobs through trade policies like tariffs are unlikely to succeed, given the sector's continued decline in employment. Moreover, slashing government grants for scientific research and attacking big US universities on cultural grounds will not foster innovation, a key driver of economic growth.
Instead, the US is facing stiff competition from rival powers like China, which is at the forefront of the transition away from fossil fuels. China has made significant strides in developing electric cars and solar panels, with the Chinese AI company DeepSeek reportedly working on a new large language model that could disrupt the industry.
The US's economic power is unlikely to be enhanced by Trump's aggressive foreign policy, but rather undermined by its erosion of international law and domestic institutions. The President's actions are an affront to the rule of law, which has always been essential for maintaining stability and trust in global markets.
As the Institute of International Finance noted, Venezuela's oil supply is likely to increase gradually over time, but the risks involved make a swift normalization of production unlikely. Instead, the country will face a gradual and conditional recovery, with potential setbacks if political or policy frictions intensify.
In summary, Trump's actions in Venezuela are a worrying sign of the US government's willingness to use military force to advance corporate interests. This approach is likely to undermine US economic power rather than enhance it, as it erodes trust in international institutions and domestic norms.
The Trump administration's approach to economic dominance has been stuck in the past, relying on outdated notions of energy self-sufficiency and manufacturing might. However, the global oil market is already saturated, and the US has become a significant net exporter thanks to the shale boom, rendering its economy relatively resilient to fluctuations in energy prices.
The real challenge lies in meeting the growing demand for raw materials required for the mass electrification of energy, such as copper, aluminum, and lithium. The prices of these commodities have skyrocketed due to global heating, making it crucial for corporations to secure a steady supply.
Trump's attempts to revive manufacturing jobs through trade policies like tariffs are unlikely to succeed, given the sector's continued decline in employment. Moreover, slashing government grants for scientific research and attacking big US universities on cultural grounds will not foster innovation, a key driver of economic growth.
Instead, the US is facing stiff competition from rival powers like China, which is at the forefront of the transition away from fossil fuels. China has made significant strides in developing electric cars and solar panels, with the Chinese AI company DeepSeek reportedly working on a new large language model that could disrupt the industry.
The US's economic power is unlikely to be enhanced by Trump's aggressive foreign policy, but rather undermined by its erosion of international law and domestic institutions. The President's actions are an affront to the rule of law, which has always been essential for maintaining stability and trust in global markets.
As the Institute of International Finance noted, Venezuela's oil supply is likely to increase gradually over time, but the risks involved make a swift normalization of production unlikely. Instead, the country will face a gradual and conditional recovery, with potential setbacks if political or policy frictions intensify.
In summary, Trump's actions in Venezuela are a worrying sign of the US government's willingness to use military force to advance corporate interests. This approach is likely to undermine US economic power rather than enhance it, as it erodes trust in international institutions and domestic norms.