TL;DR: The U.S. Redefines Its Geopolitical Approach with Bold Venezuelan Intervention
In 2026, the U.S. broke away from long-standing diplomatic norms with the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing motives like global financial security, resource control, and countering China’s influence. This unapologetically assertive shift in foreign policy signals a new era of “might makes right” geopolitics, with risks and opportunities for global markets and businesses.
• Economic impact: The shift could affect the petrodollar system, energy markets, and new trade alignments, creating financial uncertainties.
• Geopolitical signal: Entrepreneurs must remain adaptable to the growing unpredictability of international markets.
• Actionable strategy: Diversify operations, explore emerging trade blocks, and deploy agile pricing strategies to stay resilient.
For more insights on navigating shifts in international business, explore how startups can adapt to dynamic global markets on Fe/male Switch. Stay informed, agile, and future-ready!
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In the midst of an unprecedented move in 2026, the United States officially stepped away from its long-held pretense of operating under a “rules-based international order.” By orchestrating an audacious raid to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. has altered the geopolitics of power and sovereignty, redefining its image on the global stage. The implications for entrepreneurs and businesses alike are profound, especially considering how economic policies driven by these international developments could shape global markets and finances.
What happened during the U.S. raid in Venezuela?
On January 3, 2026, in the early hours of the morning, U.S. military helicopters conducted a targeted operation in Caracas, Venezuela. The operation culminated with the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, who was flown to New York along with his wife aboard a Department of Justice aircraft. This dramatic intervention bypassed international law entirely and led to widespread shockwaves, with commentators speculating its political, economic, and territorial motives.
During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago the next day, former President Donald Trump stated bluntly, “The U.S. will now run Venezuela until we establish a proper transition, ensuring American businesses are well-positioned to manage the country’s resources.” His mention of a so-called “Donroe Doctrine” further emphasized an unapologetic approach to dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
This stand-off did not just redefine the ethical contours of international diplomacy; it highlighted America’s willingness to act on its interests without cloaking them in moral or legal justifications.
What are the underlying reasons for this bold action?
While scratch-the-surface explanations like “drugs” or “corruption” are often used to legitimize interventions, a deeper analysis reveals underlying motivations tied to economic control, resource dominance, and the protection of the global financial system. Here are the key drivers:
- Petrodollar System at Risk: Venezuela had been conducting oil transactions with China in yuan since 2018, undermining the dollar’s dominance in global trade. Left unchecked, this could have further eroded the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency.
- China’s Growing Influence in the Hemisphere: By solidifying ties with BRICS and bypassing the SWIFT system, Venezuela posed a potential challenge to U.S. hegemony in its backyard.
- Energy Resource Grab: Venezuela boasts the world’s largest oil reserves, totaling 303 billion barrels. Control over these reserves would secure energy leverage for U.S.-aligned corporations.
The Trump administration made no secret of its aims, particularly regarding increased American corporate involvement in Venezuela’s lucrative energy infrastructure. This was a move dictated by hard power considerations and economic survival, rather than diplomacy or democratic ideals.
How does this impact entrepreneurs and businesses?
The ramifications of this bold assertiveness stretch far beyond Venezuela. As someone who has operated several businesses across Europe and collaborated globally, I, Violetta Bonenkamp, have watched how international markets react to such events. The U.S.’s renewed approach to consolidating economic dominance is setting a precedent that reshapes industries and markets worldwide.
- Global Currency Shifts: The rise of alternatives to the petrodollar, such as China’s yuan through the BRICS nations, challenges the foundation of U.S. financial influence. Companies with transnational operations should monitor exchange rate volatility closely if dollar supremacy continues to waver.
- Heightened Energy Market Scrutiny: With Venezuela under U.S. influence, oil prices could fluctuate, impacting manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management globally. Entrepreneurs need agile pricing strategies during periods of such economic uncertainty.
- New Trade Alliances: The fracture in international cooperation might lead to more regionalized partnerships, decreasing opportunities for easy access to global markets. Business leaders should start exploring alternative markets and trading blocks.
For entrepreneurs, the message is clear: adopt a watchful and adaptive strategy. Understand the macroeconomic trends dictated by political shifts and ensure your supply chains, pricing strategies, and market entry points are diversified enough to weather disruptions.
How can businesses adapt to geopolitical uncertainty?
As geopolitics become more unpredictable, safeguarding your business requires practical measures. Strategic foresight and risk management are no longer optional but mandatory for survival.
- Stay informed through reliable sources like Al Jazeera’s coverage of the geopolitical impact of the Monroe Doctrine.
- Invest in hedging solutions to mitigate currency fluctuations, especially if operating within dollar-denominated industries.
- Form partnerships within emerging trading blocks, such as BRICS, to diversify market dependencies.
- Focus on operational flexibility to quickly adapt to changing legal and economic frameworks.
- Establish think tanks or internal strategy teams to evaluate international developments proactively.
Final takeaway
The world as we know it has shifted. The erosion of U.S. international pretenses signals the beginning of unapologetic geopolitics, where strong nations operate on “might makes right.” Entrepreneurs navigating this new reality must not only focus on their immediate outputs but also integrate geopolitical awareness into their decision-making processes. Markets are interconnected, and understanding these macro-level shifts will be the secret weapon of businesses that thrive.
Build resilience, stay vigilant, and remember that preparing for uncertainty is the best investment you can make for the long-term stability of your business.
FAQ on "The U.S. Just Stopped Pretending" and Its Impact in 2026
What does "The U.S. just stopped pretending" mean in the context of 2026?
The phrase refers to the United States abandoning the pretext of operating under rules-based international norms. This shift was marked by its 2026 intervention in Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro, openly prioritizing national interests over international law or diplomacy. This turn in U.S. foreign policy signifies a blunt style of power display where economic and political domination takes precedence over ideological justifications. Learn more about the geopolitical implications.
Why did the U.S. launch the raid in Venezuela in 2026?
While explanations such as corruption and narcotics were presented, the underlying drivers included maintaining influence in the Western Hemisphere, controlling the world's largest oil reserves, and protecting the U.S. dollar's status as the global reserve currency. Venezuela's deepening economic ties with China, including oil sales in yuan, threatened the petrodollar system and U.S. hegemony. This intervention is widely viewed as a preemptive power play. Entrepreneurs should watch these moves closely to understand broader impacts on global economic systems. Explore insights on Venezuela's energy-rich economy.
How did this action affect the rules-based international order?
This direct capture of a foreign head of state undermined the credibility of international norms upheld by the U.S. for decades. Previously, the U.S. justified interventions through the language of law, democracy promotion, or humanitarian aid. With this unilateral move, the U.S. effectively signaled that raw power and national interest outweigh adherence to an earlier 'moral' order. This shift has significant implications for emerging global powers and smaller nations.
What has been the reaction from other global powers, such as China and Russia?
China and Russia, both challengers to U.S. hegemony, took strong stances against this raid. Both countries see U.S. actions as a materialization of Washington’s 'sphere of influence' strategy, where it claims dominance within the Western Hemisphere while denying similar aspirations to other powers. These tensions are likely to expedite the formation of financial systems independent of U.S. frameworks, such as the BRICS currency or China’s yuan-based oil trade. Discover strategies for adapting to geopolitical uncertainty.
What economic implications does this U.S. policy shift hold?
The intervention highlights the U.S.'s determination to defend its dollar hegemony by securing oil transactions in dollars. For global businesses, this could lead to fluctuations in exchange rates and energy markets. Entrepreneurs need to diversify risk and monitor shifting financial systems, such as cross-border yuan settlements. Explore future economic trends for entrepreneurs.
How does "petrodollar" relate to U.S. dominance?
The U.S. dollar's role as the global reserve currency is supported by the petrodollar system where oil trade predominantly occurs in dollars. This arrangement allows the U.S. to maintain large deficits while safeguarding its economic leverage. Venezuela’s yuan-based oil trade posed a direct threat to this ecosystem, prompting decisive actions. This intervention serves as a cautionary tale for global businesses operating in non-dollar economies.
How can businesses prepare for shifts in global economic frameworks caused by such events?
Businesses should focus on hedging against currency volatility and exploring opportunities in emerging trading blocs like BRICS. Additionally, investing in operational flexibility can help mitigate geopolitical risks that disrupt markets and supply chains. Monitoring political developments is essential. Learn strategies to navigate shifting economic systems.
What is the significance of the so-called "Donroe Doctrine"?
The "Donroe Doctrine," as outlined by former President Trump, marks the U.S.'s unapologetic stance on exercising dominance over the Western Hemisphere. Unlike the Monroe Doctrine, which was couched in diplomatic language, this new doctrine is stark in its declaration of American economic and political supremacy. Entrepreneurs should analyze how this mindset might affect trade and investment policies.
How does this shift in U.S. geopolitics impact female entrepreneurs globally?
Geopolitical upheavals often manifest in supply chain issues, energy price volatility, and changing markets. Female entrepreneurs need to build adaptability through diversification of suppliers, markets, and partnerships. Tools like global trade mapping and risk assessment are invaluable in making operations resilient to such disruptions. Explore Europe's female entrepreneur networks for support during market shifts.
Is this approach sustainable for the U.S. in the long term?
While the approach of raw power might yield short-term benefits, it risks isolating allies and driving a faster global pivot to alternatives like the BRICS bloc or yuan-based trade systems. Over time, sustained opposition to these trends from other global powers and economic players could erode the current U.S.-led order. This necessitates a deeper understanding of global alliances for businesses relying on international operations.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.