Trump's Venezuela Invasion: Anocracy Confirmed? Oil Gamble Ignites Regional Crisis

• US (under Trump) invades Venezuela on Jan 3, 2026, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in 'Operation Absolute Resolve'.
• The article argues this confirms the US as an "anocracy," a semi-democracy prone to instability, as classified by Polity data after Jan 6 Capitol attack.
• Trump declared US oil companies would move into Venezuela, which has the world’s largest oil reserves, hinting at economic motives.
• Maduro faces US narco-terrorism charges; his removal risks a power vacuum and US involvement in the Venezuela-Guyana Essequibo dispute.
• The operation is seen as a "powder keg" fueled by oil ambitions and nationalism, risking a costly, long-term occupation.

Why It Matters: Trump's Venezuela invasion highlights US anocracy, driven by oil, risking regional instability and costly conflict.