U.S. Military Expansion and Strategic Interests in Latin America and Maritime Security
Nov, 28 2025
The U.S. government claims that its actions are part of a broader 'war on drugs,' accusing Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization known as the Cartel of the Suns, a claim that Maduro denies. Experts note, however, that Venezuela plays a relatively minor role in the drug trade compared to countries like Mexico and Colombia, raising questions about the underlying motivations for U.S. actions.
Maduro has suggested that the military buildup is aimed at securing control over Venezuela's vast natural resources, particularly its oil reserves. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has echoed this sentiment, stating that oil is a central factor in contemporary conflicts. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, and the potential for increased production under a new regime could align with U.S. economic interests.
The U.S. may view regime change in Venezuela as an opportunity to secure concessions for American oil companies, which could revitalize the country's oil industry and stabilize global oil prices. This aligns with the Trump administration's broader foreign policy approach, which has often prioritized access to natural resources.
Additionally, the U.S. is concerned about Venezuela's growing ties with China, which has become a significant buyer of Venezuelan crude and an investor in its oil fields. The U.S. has interests in countering these developments, particularly as Maduro has threatened to seize oil-rich regions in neighboring Guyana, where U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil operates.
In a related development, the U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its fleet amid increasing global naval competition, particularly with China. During a virtual address on Thanksgiving, President Trump highlighted his influence on the design of new Coast Guard ships, although the actual design work is conducted by teams of naval architects and shipyards.
The U.S. Coast Guard has exercised a $507 million contract option with Bollinger Shipyards to begin construction on 10 Sentinel-class fast response cutters, part of a broader fleet modernization initiative. This expansion is deemed necessary to maintain operational parity with China, which operates the world's largest navy and coast guard by hull count.
The Sentinel-class fleet, currently comprising 59 operational vessels, is set to grow to 77, with the first new cutter expected to be delivered in 2028. Additionally, the U.S. has finalized a multibillion-dollar agreement with Finland to construct new icebreakers, enhancing its capabilities in the Arctic region.
The U.S. Coast Guard is undergoing its most significant recapitalization in decades, aiming to keep pace with naval advancements from China and Russia in both the Pacific and Arctic regions. The focus remains on the timely delivery and operational effectiveness of the new vessels, which are intended to enhance U.S. maritime security in increasingly contested waters.