Venezuela’s Diplomatic Moves Toward the U.S. Mask a Deeper Strategic Game

In a development that may sound like a step toward diplomacy, Venezuela's interim government has named former Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia as its new diplomatic representative to the United States. Announced by Venezuelan Communication Minister Miguel Ángel Pérez Pirela, Plasencia is expected to arrive in Washington shortly with his team.At first glance, this appears to be progress in restoring dialogue between Caracas and Washington after years of tension. Yet beneath the surface lies a complex political theater that calls for cautious scrutiny from an America First perspective. Venezuela remains dominated by Maduro's regime, which continues to undermine democratic institutions and...