Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part IV of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. Introduction Venezuela, ranked seventh globally for the highest homicide rate, is characterized by
In this episode of Orion Talks, hosted by Suat Cubukcu, we are joined by Dr. Kerry Chávez to explore how drones are reshaping modern warfare and homeland security. As commercial drone technology becomes more accessible, the barriers to air power are rapidly eroding, enabling non-state actors and even lone individuals
Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part III of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. Introduction The rapid expansion of Tren de Aragua (TdA) from a Venezuelan prison
By Suat Cubukcu, Editor With contributions from Austin Doctor, Bill Edwards, Scott Parker, and DJ Smith (listed alphabetically) The rapid proliferation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) has created both opportunity and vulnerability. While drones increasingly support commerce, public safety, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, their accessibility also lowers the barrier
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was captured in Tapalpa, Jalisco, less than 100 miles south of the capital, Guadalajara. During the military operation, a battle ensued, and Oseguera was injured and passed away from his injuries on a military helicopter, at which point the decision was made
Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part II of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. In November 2025, the United States designated the Cartel de los Soles (CDS)
The capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026 marks a strategic inflection point for the United States and the first real stress test of the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) in the Western Hemisphere. More than the apprehension of a leader, Maduro’s removal forces Washington to reconcile competing strategic
In this episode, host Marta Furlan talks with Juan Luis Manfredi Sánchez, reflecting on the new world order that is taking shape under President Donald Trump. Manfredi Sánchez talks about the end of the liberal order and a return to “areas of influence”. He goes on to note that the
Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part I of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. For years, U.S. policy toward Venezuela has fluctuated between sanctions, diplomacy, and public
President Donald Trump has started to frame U.S. policy in Latin America through a tougher reading of the Monroe Doctrine. Some observers call this the “Donroe Doctrine,” reflecting his view that the Western Hemisphere is a region where Washington should assert control and limit the influence of hostile governments. In
In this Orion Talks episode, hosted by Suat Cubukcu, Dr. Imdat Oner joins the conversation to unpack Venezuela’s sudden political turning point following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to the United States. Dr. Oner examines the immediate fallout in Caracas, the rise of interim president Delcy Rodríguez,
The Trump administration’s recent designation of the Clan del Golfo Colombian armed group as a foreign terrorist organization marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s counter-narcotics policy in Latin America. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on December 16th that the Colombian group would join a growing list of
