US FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS VENEZUELA AND THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the United States' foreign policy towards Venezuela and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) under President Donald Trump, focusing on his first administration (2017-2021) and his new term that began on January 20, 2025. This study will delve into the intricate relationship between geopolitical strategy, economic interests, and regional diplomacy in shaping U.S. actions in the region. The Trump administration's approach to Venezuela was characterized by a “maximum pressure” campaign, which included the imposition of stringent economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and support for opposition groups to weaken Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The policy aimed to promote democratic governance in Venezuela, but it inadvertently worsened the country's humanitarian crisis, leading to mass displacement and significant social unrest. Simultaneously, it created tension between the U.S. and CARICOM member states, many of which adopted a more cautious or neutral stance toward the Venezuelan crisis.

This paper explores the division within CARICOM regarding Venezuela, highlighting the contrasting perspectives of member states, some of which opposed the U.S. approach, while others aligned with it. These differences reflect broader tensions between regional solidarity, which seeks non-interference in domestic matters, and external pressures from major powers like the U.S. Furthermore, the study examines how U.S. policies affected regional stability, economic development, and multilateral cooperation in the Caribbean. In the context of heightened political polarization and economic uncertainty, the paper provides insights into the evolving dynamics of U.S.-CARICOM relations and their implications for the future of the region.