A build-up of military assets in the region and a series of fatal strikes on alleged drug boats enflame relations between Washington and Caracas.
Previous transitions out of dictatorships in Brazil and Chile may provide a roadmap if U.S. pressure prompts Venezuelan generals to act.
An analysis of what President Donald Trump really seeks to accomplish in Venezuela and beyond
"The region may be even more aligned with President Trump a year from now than it is today," said Americas Quarterly's editor-in-chief.
The use of deadly force against Venezuelan traffickers marks the beginning of a new strategy. Will it work?
"Parece querer mandar un mensaje de que habrá tolerancia cero con el narcotráfico", dice José Enrique Arrioja, editor general de Americas Quarterly, a EFE.
El vicepresidente ejecutivo de AS/COA analiza medidas contra Venezuela, la colaboración con México y la lucha antidrogas en Colombia.