Expert Questions Military Focus on Venezuela Amid Greater Threats

The ongoing debate over U.S. military strategies has intensified as experts weigh in on the current administration’s focus on Venezuela. Frank Rose, a former assistant secretary of state for arms control under President Barack Obama, argues that addressing drug trafficking from Venezuela should not take precedence over more pressing national security threats posed by countries such as China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

Recently, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of Navy assets to the Caribbean to combat the influx of drugs from Venezuela and other Latin American nations. However, Rose contends that these resources would be better utilized in the Indo-Pacific and around Europe, where they can effectively deter significant threats to U.S. national security.

Reassessing Military Priorities

According to Rose, the global landscape of warfare is undergoing profound changes. He noted, “We are witnessing a revolution in warfare. From drone swarms in Ukraine to precision strikes in the Middle East, the world’s strategic situation is fundamentally changing.” He emphasized that while the flow of drugs is a serious issue, it should not distract from the need to focus on state-level threats.

Rose pointed out that the U.S. military’s current deployment strategy could compromise its ability to address critical national security challenges. “Every hour and dollar spent on operations in Latin America detracts from our preparation to deal with key national security challenges,” he stated. He underscored the importance of concentrating military efforts on deterring aggressive actions from countries like China, which is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities.

China’s shipbuilding capacity is reportedly around 200% larger than that of the United States, and Rose believes that the U.S. Navy should prioritize deployment to counter this expansion. “My priority would be to deploy the U.S. Navy’s available assets to the Indo-Pacific as a deterrent to China, which is rapidly expanding the size of its Navy,” he remarked.

Concerns Over Military Engagement in Venezuela

Trump has hinted at potential military strikes targeting installations in Venezuela linked to drug trafficking networks allegedly controlled by Nicolás Maduro and his regime. While there have been recent successful strikes against vessels transporting drugs, Rose argues that such military engagement lacks a clear strategic objective. “Honestly, I don’t know what the strategic objective of the deployment is,” he commented.

Rose also highlighted the financial implications of operating aircraft carrier battle groups in the Caribbean, noting that these resources are limited and costly. He expressed concern that the ongoing deployment of the USS Ford, the U.S. Navy’s latest aircraft carrier, could be better utilized in regions where it can address the more significant threats posed by adversaries.

As of now, approximately 14% of the U.S. Navy’s total assets are deployed in the Caribbean, a move that Rose questions given the pressing security risks in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. He advocates for a strategic reassessment that focuses military efforts on state-level threats while allowing law enforcement and intelligence agencies to handle issues like drug trafficking.

In conclusion, Rose asserts the necessity of prioritizing military focus on deterring major threats from nations like Russia and China. “If law enforcement and intelligence need more resources, let’s provide them the additional resources,” he suggested, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to national security.