In recent years, U.S. engagement in Venezuela has become a focal point of Western Hemisphere geopolitics. Washington’s involvement—ranging from sanctions against the Maduro regime to diplomatic recognition of opposition forces—reflects broader strategic principles that the United States applies when confronting authoritarianism, safeguarding democratic governance, and maintaining influence in regions considered essential to its national security interests. When examining U.S. actions in Venezuela, it becomes useful to compare them with America’s long-standing commitments in East Asia, particularly the political dynamics between Taiwan and China across the Taiwan Strait. Although geographically distant, these two theatres share underlying themes of great-power competition, democratic resilience, and the strategic balancing of authoritarian influence.
The United States sees Venezuela as a case of democratic backsliding and a humanitarian crisis situated in its traditional sphere of influence, Latin America. Washington’s efforts to pressure the Maduro administration—through economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and support for pro-democracy actors—aim to prevent the consolidation of an authoritarian regime aligned with U.S. rivals such as Russia, Iran, and China. In this context, the Venezuelan crisis is not only a regional concern but also part of a broader competition for ideological and geopolitical influence.
Similarly, the U.S. approach to the Taiwan Strait is driven by a commitment to support democratic partners facing coercion from authoritarian powers. Taiwan’s political system, marked by competitive elections and civil liberties, stands in stark contrast to China’s one-party rule. The U.S. maintains a “strategic ambiguity” posture: it does not formally recognize Taiwan as an independent state, yet it provides arms sales, diplomatic engagement, and security assurances under the Taiwan Relations Act. This balancing aims to deter unilateral changes to the status quo, particularly by China, while preserving stability in a region central to global supply chains and military strategy.
Despite the parallels, there are key differences between U.S. involvement in Venezuela and its actions in the Taiwan Strait. In Venezuela, Washington’s strategy is primarily aimed at influencing domestic political outcomes and pressuring an authoritarian regime to democratize. In contrast, U.S. engagement with Taiwan is oriented toward deterrence, preventing Beijing from using military force to resolve the cross-Strait dispute. Taiwan is strategically located along the First Island Chain, a region critical to U.S. Indo-Pacific operations, whereas Venezuela represents a challenge to U.S. influence but does not directly affect global maritime logistics or military positioning.
The China factor also differentiates these two theatres. Beijing supports the Maduro regime politically and economically, offering loans, investment, and diplomatic backing. This support strengthens the perception of Venezuela as a proxy site of U.S.–China rivalry. In East Asia, China’s ambitions toward Taiwan are far more direct, as Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and has not ruled out the use of force. Thus, while Venezuela features China as an external supporter of a friendly regime, Taiwan is a direct geopolitical flashpoint between the U.S. and China.
However, the comparison remains valuable because both cases highlight Washington’s broader strategy toward authoritarian influence. In Venezuela, the U.S. seeks regime pressure and democratic restoration; in Taiwan, the U.S. seeks to protect an existing democracy from external coercion. Both efforts reinforce American credibility among democratic partners worldwide.
The implications for Taiwan are particularly significant. Observing U.S. persistence in regions outside its core alliance network—such as Latin America—helps reassure Taiwanese leaders that Washington treats democratic resilience as a global priority. At the same time, Taiwan cannot assume that U.S. policy will remain unchanged regardless of shifting domestic politics in Washington. Cross-Strait stability ultimately depends on Taiwan’s own deterrence posture, internal political cohesion, and ability to navigate the triangular dynamics between Washington and Beijing.
In conclusion, while U.S. involvement in Venezuela and the Taiwan Strait differ in scope and strategic stakes, both illustrate a common thread: the United States positions itself as a defender of democratic governance in the face of authoritarian expansion. Understanding these dynamics side by side reveals how global power competition influences regional crises and why Taiwan’s political future remains deeply tied not only to East Asian security but also to broader geopolitical contests unfolding around the world.
Author : Cathy Lin
