Oil, regime change, and what's next in Trump’s MAGA playbook? Independent Thinking podcast

After the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, our analysts discuss where in the Western Hemisphere US President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may turn their attention to next.

Audio

Published 6 February 2026 — 30 minute listen

Host Bronwen Maddox is joined by Laurel Rapp, director of Chatham House’s US and North America Programme, and Dr Christopher Sabatini, Senior Fellow for Latin America. They dissect the so-called ‘Donroe Doctrine’, Marco Rubio’s project to reform Cuba’s regime, Haiti, and why oil is central to the MAGA playbook.

Read Dr Sabatini’s full research paper ‘A roadmap for security and governance reform in Haiti’.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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