U.S. Intervention in Venezuela and its Multidimensional Impacts on Caribbean Small States: Energy, Migration, and Regional Stability

Abstract

Venezuela’s prolonged political and economic crisis has generated significant regional repercussions, particularly for Caribbean small island states. While internal governance failures have contributed to the situation, substantial evidence indicates that U.S. foreign policy, through economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and regime-change strategies,has exacerbated instability and weakened state institutions. This study employs a qualitative research design, integrating document analysis, policy review, and regional case studies to examine the role of U.S. intervention in Venezuela and its multidimensional impacts on Caribbean states. The findings reveal that Caribbean nations face heightened energy insecurity due to the collapse of PetroCaribe, increased migration pressures, constrained foreign policy autonomy, and amplified regional security risks. These effects highlight the vulnerability of small states to asymmetric power dynamics and underscore the interconnectedness of economic, humanitarian, and geopolitical challenges. The current study further identifies gaps in regional coordination and institutional capacity that limit Caribbean states' ability to respond effectively. Policy recommendations emphasise energy diversification, migration management, strengthened multilateral institutions, and enhanced regional cooperation to mitigate spillover effects. By centring the experiences of Caribbean states, the research contributes to a nuanced understanding of how external interventions in one country reverberate across a region, offering lessons for sovereignty, resilience, and sustainable development.