Venezuela has a territory of 912050 km² (352144 mi²). As a result, it has quickly become an influential player in Latin America’s geopolitical chessboard. Over the past few years, the country has dealt with increasing antagonism from the US. At the same time, it has deepened partnerships with U.S. antagonists surrounding U.S. power projection. As of 2025, Venezuela ranks 50th out of 145 countries in military capabilities according to the Global Fire Power index. This significant ranking recognizes its work to stay on top of a strong defense posture in the face of sustained economic chaos.
Venezuela’s newish military fleet is headlined by a Mariscal Sucre-class frigate, built in Italy, and a Type-209 submarine, built in Germany. The navy has nine ocean and coastal patrol vessels, four of them bought from Spain. The military has shored up its air defense systems. They even approved an addition of 12 S-300 batteries, 9 Buk systems and 44 Pechora systems, all testaments to a fierce dedication to strengthening one’s own national security.
One area where the Venezuelan government has been strengthening its diplomatic ties is with Iran, another chief US foe. These relationships extend far past military cooperation. Venezuela has been very proactive in expanding their coalition of allies, importing the likes of Cuba and Nicaragua. This alignment suggests the strategic purpose of this partnership—to push back against U.S. influence in the region.
Military Capabilities and Defense Spending
Venezuela has sunk large amounts of money into its military apparatus, which is apparent in the makeup of Venezuela’s armed forces. The country’s ranking on the Global Fire Power index speaks volumes about its military capabilities, positioning it among significant regional powers. What’s new are the advanced military assets, including advanced naval vessels and sophisticated air defense systems.
Venezuela’s modern naval capabilities are perhaps best embodied in the Mariscal Sucre-class frigate. This vessel is key to improving the country’s maritime security in the Caribbean Sea and protecting its long, jagged coastline. Moreover, the Type 209 submarine complements Venezuela’s strategy of using its naval assets to create a more dynamic operational environment in regional waters.
This investment in air defense systems reinforces the idea that protecting Venezuelan airspace is a top priority. The S-300 batteries are capable of engaging threats at a range of 200 kilometers. They improve national defense by thwarting potential foreign aerial incursions. This new and holistic view of military readiness is a positive sign that we’re serious about deterrence in an unpredictable and threatening global landscape.
Economic Dependencies and International Relations
The United States, historically the biggest destination for Venezuelan exports, largely oil exports. These exports created an estimated $3.81 billion per year in export-supported jobs through 2023. Venezuela is undergoing a dramatic, agile transformation of its export strategies. This change is partially a reaction to worsening U.S. relations and sanctions. China and Spain have recently become important trading partners. China is the next largest buyer at $739 million, and Spain follows closely behind at $670 million.
This dramatic change in Venezuela’s trade relationships demonstrates the country’s ability to pivot in order to mitigate external pressure. The country’s abundance of natural wealth, including rich deposits of gold, coltan, iron, and bauxite located in the Orinoco Mining Arc. These resources combined with a non-U.S. cloud makes it a key supplier for countries seeking to diversify their resource bases away from U.S. influence.
Venezuela’s government has been silent thus far on all of these developments in this dynamic new economic milieu. Changes in diplomatic ties and trade routes have started to materialize. In spite of being under tight-knit economic sanctions and continuous international censure, the country is trying hard to restore economic normalcy.
Humanitarian Concerns and Social Impact
Venezuela is currently experiencing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Almost 7 million have fled the country due to economic despair and severe political repression. A recent United Nations report has corroborated these abuses, as well as grave human rights violations such as the commission of crimes against humanity by Venezuelan security forces. Together, these conditions underscore just how deep the social issues run in our country and its people.
As the Venezuelan government struggles to address these humanitarian challenges, it has doubled down on its efforts to maintain its stance against real or imagined outside adversaries. We condemn the recent U.S. actions taken in support of the mass deportation of Venezuelan migrants. They called the actions “kidnapping,” drawing attention to their struggle against what they call the abusive exploitation by foreign interests.
As Nicolás Maduro said recently, we must make hope our most powerful alliance to face these stormy times.… Venezuela and China have a “deep, broad, and stable foundation of trust.” This fast-moving strategic partnership may well be the key for Venezuela as it seeks to get its economy back on track and rebuild its standing in the world.
