Maduro’s Tight Grip on Venezuela Defies U.S. Pressure Through a Ruthless Loyalty-Punishment Regime

As the Biden administration debates military options against Nicolás Maduro's regime, many American policymakers hope that intensified pressure will fracture the Venezuelan dictator’s inner circle and hasten his downfall. Yet months of sanctions, indictments, and even military interdictions have failed to crack the hardened loyalty bonds underpinning Maduro’s power.Why Washington's Strategy Hasn't Worked—And What It Means for AmericaAt the heart of Maduro's resilience lies an authoritarian playbook that blends fear and greed: loyalists enrich themselves with sanctioned corruption networks while dissenters face ruthless punishment ranging from imprisonment to torture. This loyalty-or-punishment strategy not only keeps key military figures aligned but...