Expert Warns Against Military Focus on Venezuela Amid Global Threats

The recent decision by President Donald Trump to deploy Navy assets to the Caribbean in an effort to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela has drawn criticism from former officials who argue that this focus may divert attention from more significant global security threats. According to Frank Rose, a former assistant secretary of state for arms control under President Barack Obama, the U.S. military should prioritize deterring challenges posed by countries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

Rose’s comments come in light of Trump’s recent military orders aimed at curbing the influx of drugs from Latin America. He emphasizes that the resources allocated to this operation could be better utilized in regions where the U.S. faces direct threats. “We are witnessing a revolution in warfare,” Rose stated, highlighting the advancements in military technology and the shifting global strategic landscape.

Global Threats Demand Attention

Rose points out that while the flow of drugs into the U.S. is a serious concern, it should not overshadow the pressing risks from state actors. His assessment underscores that China and Russia are modernizing their military capabilities, with China’s naval expansion significantly outpacing that of the U.S. Rose estimates China’s shipbuilding capacity is approximately 200% larger than that of the United States.

“My priority would be to deploy the U.S. Navy’s available assets to the Indo-Pacific as a deterrent to China,” he remarked. He argues that every hour and dollar spent on operations in Latin America detracts from the U.S. military’s ability to respond to critical national security challenges.

Rose is skeptical about the strategic rationale behind the current military deployment in the Caribbean, which includes the USS Ford, an aircraft carrier equipped for advanced operations. “I honestly don’t know what the strategic objective of the deployment is,” he stated. “Is it to send a political message to Maduro in Venezuela? We have received limited information about the purpose of the deployment.”

Resource Allocation Under Scrutiny

The former official pointed out that aircraft carrier battle groups are limited resources, and their deployment should reflect the most pressing security needs. Currently, approximately 14% of the U.S. Navy’s total assets are stationed in the Caribbean, which Rose argues could be better utilized in the Indo-Pacific or Europe.

The criticism extends to Trump’s suggestion of potential military strikes within Venezuela aimed at dismantling drug-trafficking organizations allegedly linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. While Trump has previously executed strikes against vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, which reportedly resulted in over 60 casualties, Rose cautions against relying on military solutions for issues that may be better addressed through law enforcement and intelligence operations.

“I don’t want to dismiss that this is a problem, but I am not convinced that the military is the right solution,” Rose stated. He advocates for a more strategic approach, emphasizing the need for law enforcement and intelligence resources to handle drug trafficking while reserving military assets for deterring state-level threats.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, experts like Rose call for a reassessment of U.S. military priorities, urging decision-makers to focus on the threats that only the military can effectively counter. “Let’s keep our war fighters focused on the threats that only they can deter — Russia, China, Iran, North Korea,” he concluded, advocating for a clear delineation between military and law enforcement roles in ensuring national security.