As a close observer of the region, I am deeply troubled by the humanitarian crisis and the dramatic unraveling of democracy under Nicolás Maduro, a brutal and corrupt dictator. A core question raised by this hearing is whether the United States should use military force to remove Maduro from power in Venezuela. My answer, which reflects the position of many other U.S. defense and foreign policy experts, is no. The negative consequences of military action to Venezuela, to the region, and to the interests of the United States are clear and foreseeable.
Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, was interviewed by BBC World News on the future of the Venezuelan armed forces amidst continuing protests as well as the possibility of US and Russian intervention.