In this episode of the Latin American Perspectives Podcast, Alexander Scott speaks with historian and political scientist Steve Ellner about the changing nature of U.S. imperialism and the escalating political crisis in Venezuela.

Drawing on Ellner's recent work, the conversation examines sanctions, economic warfare, "hyper-imperialism," the Venezuelan opposition, and the broader geopolitical tensions shaping Latin America today.

Topics discussed include:

• Sanctions as a form of warfare
• Economic coercion and financial blockades
• U.S. policy toward Venezuela
• María Corina Machado and the Venezuelan far right
• Debates on the left surrounding anti-imperialism and democracy
• The global implications of a new phase of U.S. power

Steve Ellner is a historian and political scientist who taught for over two decades at the Universidad de Oriente in Venezuela. He is Associate Managing Editor of Latin American Perspectives and the author of numerous books and articles on Venezuelan politics, the Latin American left, and the Chávez era.

Further Reading from Steve Ellner

• CounterPunch — "U.S. Imperialism Enters a New Stage" https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/04/21/u-s-imperialism-enters-a-new-stage/
• Jacobin — "Trump, Latin America, and the Left Opposition" https://jacobin.com/2025/11/trump-latin-america-left-opposition
• Venezuelanalysis Author Page https://venezuelanalysis.com/guest-author/steve-ellner/
• Venezuela Solidarity Network — María Corina Machado & Venezuela https://www.venezuelasolidaritynetwork.org/mcm_venezuela