The tactics of critical diplomacy behind closed doors, as a model of soft influence on Washington’s Latin American partners

On February 9, 2024, several leading US media outlets published satellite images from Maxar Technologies, which showed that Caracas had deployed light tanks, patrol boats equipped with missiles, armored personnel carriers, and other weapons near the border between Venezuela and Guyana.

The deployment of troops on the border is one of the signs that indicates preparations for a future military intervention. By doing so, Venezuela is backing up its threats to annex part of Guyana and gain access to some of the world’s largest oil fields.

In December 2023, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali signed an agreement condemning the use of force and advocating the creation of a commission to resolve territorial disputes. Caracas’ actions stand in stark contrast to the commitments and promises made by Maduro.