Experts Criticize Trump's Resource Imperialism in Venezuela Oil Claims
Experts say that former President Donald Trump's recent claims regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader right-wing 'resource imperialism' worldview.
The United States has escalated pressure on Venezuela, citing drug trafficking concerns; this month, it intercepted two Venezuelan oil tankers and is pursuing a third, intensifying actions against Nicolás Maduro's government.
Critics have drawn parallels between this campaign and the Iraq War, pointing to regime-change rhetoric, security pretexts, and underlying oil interests.
Additionally, the US labeled fentanyl originating from Venezuela as a weapon of mass destruction.
Trump suggested that any seized Venezuelan oil could be treated as a US asset, with possibilities to sell it, retain it in strategic reserves, or keep the vessels themselves.
Analysts describe this approach as 'resource nationalism,' which prioritizes fossil-fuel dominance and coercive tactics over climate norms.
Trump has a documented history of advocating for the US to seize oil resources to reimburse war costs and to gain influence over oil fields in Syria, linking energy control directly to military power.
This strategy extends beyond Venezuela, aiming at securing minerals and strategic resources such as those in Greenland, with moves including appointing a Greenland envoy and seeking leadership in Arctic minerals.
