Responding to Hugo Chavez

Abstract

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's strong anti-U.S. sentiment and continued claims of U.S. imperialism have blocked U.S. progress in that area of the world. Capitalizing on wealth garnered from oil exports, Chavez affects regional security and stability by his support of the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), increased economic relations with China, sustained military relations with Russia, and an ever-strengthening relationship with Iran. Following the Department of State model of not dealing with Chavez directly, this paper focuses on ways in which the U.S. Southern Command can accomplish its regional goals, as outlined in its current Theater Campaign Plan (TCP), which Chavez continues to hinder. The paper concludes that strengthening U.S. partnerships in the South American region through peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, traditional maritime exercises, and counter-drug operations as well as continued U.S. involvement in programs like "Plan Colombia" will show that the United States is a committed and long-term regional ally. These actions will not only disprove Chavez's anti-U.S. message but also marginalize his regional influence.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 03, 2010
Accession Number
ADA525328

Entities

People

  • James R. Gladden Iii

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Colombia
  • Commerce
  • Criminals
  • Department Of State
  • Foreign Relations
  • Governments
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Military Operations
  • National Politics
  • New York
  • Regional Security
  • Security
  • South America
  • United States
  • United States Southern Command
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies