In this new episode of Big World, SIS professor emeritus Philip Brenner joins us to discuss the politics behind the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and how it connects to the growing crisis in Cuba.

Brenner kicks off our episode by contextualizing the close alliance between Venezuela and Cuba (1:54) and the history of U.S. relations with both nations (4:31). Brenner also explains what was happening in the months leading up to the United States’ capture of Maduro and why the Trump administration was pressuring Venezuela to cut off oil to Cuba (9:23).

Does the capture of Maduro fall within the bounds of international law? (11:02) How has the ongoing oil embargo fueled a humanitarian crisis in Cuba? (12:43) Brenner answers these questions and considers the Trump administration’s current approach to U.S.-Cuba relations (16:47) and where Cuba’s political future stands (19:54).

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Big World is a production of the School of International Service at American University. This episode was produced by Madison Minges with assistance from Morgan Desfosses.