US Influence Looms Over Latin America in Regions Turbulent Politics

US Intervention in Venezuela Leads to Capture of President Maduro

In 2026, the United States launched a military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This event marked the culmination of a series of power struggles in Latin America, which began with the rise of left-wing leaders in the early 21st century.

The period saw a succession of populist leaders emerge in countries such as Venezuela, Brazil, and Bolivia. Hugo Chavez’s victory in Venezuela in 1998 was followed by the election of Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva in Brazil and Evo Morales in Bolivia. More recently, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner became the first woman president of Argentina.

During this time, Latin America faced numerous challenges, including corruption scandals, drug trafficking, migration crises, and internal power struggles. The region also experienced significant shifts in US foreign policy, with the United States providing support to hardline strategies in Colombia and launching a military operation against Venezuela in January 2026.

The capture of President Maduro has raised questions about the future of democracy in Latin America. As Chinese influence grows and US rhetoric becomes more assertive, experts are grappling with the impact of autocratic forces, militias, and resurgent authoritarian populism on the region’s politics.

This film explores the complex dynamics at play in Latin America, drawing on first-hand testimony, expert insight, and rare archives to examine the relationship between US ambition and regional politics.

Source: Al Jazeera