Brian Winter on CNN about U.S.-Venezuela Diplomatic Shift amid Secretary Wright's Visit

Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly and vice president of policy at Americas Society/Council of the Americas, spoke with Isa Soares of CNN International about the diplomatic shifts between the United States and Venezuela, in the context of the recent visit of U.S Energy Secretary Chris Wright to Caracas.

Winter highlighted the "astounding" sight of Secretary Wright touring PDVSA installations alongside Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez, a turn of events that seemed unlikely just weeks ago. "It's amazing how much change has happened in so little time. Of course, there are still obstacles ahead, mainly the idea of a democratic transition, which is a necessary condition for real investment to flow into Venezuela," said the expert. 

Winter analyzed the motivations of Rodríguez, who has pivoted toward cooperation with the Trump administration despite her history with the previous regime, suggesting her cooperation is a matter of survival. Rodríguez "sees not only the political benefit but also some economic benefit," said the editor-in-chief.

"You get the feeling that the Venezuelan government is testing," Winter argued. "They apply a little bit of pressure here. They give a little bit of ground there, trying to see what they can get away with."

The conversation then turned to Cuba. Winter explained that the Trump administration’s strategy is intentionally isolating the island, leaning on countries like Mexico to cut off oil supplies. "It’s very clear, I think, to all of us, including the regime in Cuba, that for the Trump administration, Cuba is next," Winter stated. While he does not expect a military operation similar to the one in Caracas, Winter suggested the White House is aiming for a "negotiated transition" where the Cuban government is forced to open the economy. 

Watch the full interview.