The recent movement of United States military forces to the Caribbean is seen as a move of “coercive diplomacy”, according to Salvador Razainternational security specialist. For him, the deployment of combat ships and US Coast Guard assets to the area not only aims to contain drug trafficking, but also to send a message of strength in a scenario of growing geopolitical tension.
Under analysis during his participation in the program ‘WW Special’, from CNNRaza highlighted that, in addition to directly confronting drug trafficking, it has a strong symbolic component.
“The presence of the United States in the Venezuela region is, first and foremost, a demonstration of power, a clear effort to show strength without necessarily entering into a direct confrontation,” said the expert.
Raza also pointed out that the US Navy’s operation in Caribbean can be seen as a response to the increased presence of non-state actors, such as drug trafficking organizations, and .
“By focusing on Venezuela, the United States aims to put pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime, while at the same time demonstrating its ability to intervene in the region, if necessary. It is a way of showing that it is attentive to any potential threat”, he explained.
Furthermore, the expert highlighted the efficiency of the naval forces and the Coast Guard to deal with specific issues of combating drug trafficking.
“Combat ships, like the , have a different role. They are not designed to directly combat drug traffickers, but rather for large-scale destruction actions. The Coast Guard, with its specialization, is more effective for intercepting and containing illicit activities,” he said.
Cost reduction and global dispersion
Another point addressed by Salvador Raza was the operational cost of US military operations. With the presence of military forces in different parts of the world, such as China Seathe move to the Caribbean also serves to ease tension in the Pacific.
“This strategy is not just about what is being sent to the Caribbean region, but also about what is being taken from other areas, such as the China Sea, where tension with China has intensified,” Raza highlighted.
The expert suggested that this redistribution of resources can be seen as a measure to reduce the operational costs of the US Armed Forces, while preserving its capacity for global intervention.
“Although the change of focus to the Caribbean seems like an escalation, it can actually be a strategic move to reduce technological and operational costs, without losing the ability to operate in other parts of the world”, he highlighted.
Geopolitical scenario and global perspective
For Raza, this reconfiguration of resources reflects not only an attempt to limit threats on the continent, but also a concern about the impact of a possible intervention in Venezuela on the broader scenario in Latin America.
He considers that the US stance, although combative, does not necessarily aim for direct military confrontationbut containment through pressure and demonstrations of force.
“What the United States seeks is to create an environment in which the cost to adversaries, whether in terms of political or economic stability, is high. This without the need for a direct use of force, but using means such as coercive diplomacy and a strategic military presence”, concluded Raza.
