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In a world where many have experienced life under non-democratic regimes, hope can be a rare commodity. However, recent developments under President Donald Trump have sparked a sense of optimism among those who have longed for change. Yet, experts urge caution, suggesting that the president’s actions may not necessarily align with the aspirations of nation-building or democracy restoration.
On Monday, the bustling activity at the Venezuela-Colombia border was impossible to ignore, as people crossed on foot, by motorcycle, and by car. This comes amid Trump’s bold declarations of potential military intervention in Colombia and assertions that Cuba is on the brink of change.
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In Chicago, a city that hosts a significant Colombian and Cuban diaspora, these developments resonate deeply. Among them is a local restaurant owner, who, due to the sensitive political climate, preferred to remain anonymous.
“I’m pretty sure we will be better than whatever we are living right now. We need to be free,” she expressed, capturing a sentiment widely shared by those longing for a new chapter.
For many Cubans, especially in the wake of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s ouster, there’s a flicker of hope that the longstanding grip of communism might loosen with Trump’s influence. Growing up under the shadow of the Castro regime, the restaurant owner reflects on this possibility.
“We’ve been in this system, this situation for so many years. People will have freedom, most important, food, opportunities,” she added, highlighting the basic human needs that have been out of reach for so long.
But some foreign policy experts question the president’s motives. With talk of who is next — Cuba, Colombia, Greenland, Canada — University of Chicago political science professor Robert Pape says Trump’s foreign policy strategy is becoming very clear. Pape says it is not about helping people; it is about seizing resources in the Western Hemisphere.
“He wants the oil in Venezuela. This is not nation building. This is not, ‘We’re going to spread democracy,’” Pape said.
Pape says Trump’s interest in Colombia is about oil, too. Close to 1 million barrels a day come from the country.
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“If you’re going to take resources in the Western Hemisphere, you might as well just sweep up Cuba along the way. This is a relatively small part of the picture,” Pape said.
Since World War II, the United States has worked hard to keep the peace through building international alliances. Pape says what the president is doing is the definition of imperialism.
“We’re not the protector of democracy any longer. What’s happening is, we are the predator. We are taking what we want, and others have a chance to do our bidding or face the consequences,” Pape said.
Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. Pape predicts Trump will face some big challenges gaining control of it. Pape says the country’s mountainous and jungle terrain makes it perfect for insurgents.
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