The dawn of a new geopolitical agenda in the Caribbean region
Deo Adjuvante, Non Timendum
“With God as My Helper, I Have Nothing to Fear”
The Bombastic geopolitical politics of the region
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
As we sit and meditate in The Bahamas, our region is waking up to a new geopolitical agenda. Guyana is heading to the polls on the first of the month, Jamaica follows with its general election on the third, and Venezuela shows signs of anxiety and paranoia. We must be mindful of one fact: America will not invade Venezuela. Instead, we must learn to recognize the art of propaganda and the craft of deceit. These two forces dance like partners in a Machiavellian tango.
Brazil sits quietly, watching as the wider region anticipates a shift in direction. This is the complexity of our world: nations caught between hope and manipulation, where the ambitions of men can easily pull us into conflict. And when that conflict erupts, history reminds us there are no heroes, only survivors.
“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” — Sun Tzu
We must understand that the strength of a nation lies not in war, but in the wisdom to avoid it. We should reflect deeply on the lessons of Vietnam and Afghanistan, where decades of bloodshed proved that there are no true winners in wars of intimidation.
Point One: The Role of Regional Unity
One of the greatest weaknesses of the Caribbean has been its fragmentation. Each island often pursues its own agenda while outside powers exploit division. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was designed to strengthen cooperation, yet its voice is too often muted on global stages. If we fail to speak as one, we risk being manipulated as many small pieces rather than one strong collective.
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” — Mattie Stepanek
Point Two: The Economic Battlefield
Geopolitics is not only about armies. It is also about economics. Foreign powers use loans, trade deals, and aid packages as weapons of influence. The region must be careful not to trade independence for short-term financial relief. Debt diplomacy is as dangerous as military occupation because it shackles future generations to decisions made in desperation.
“It is not the creation of wealth that is wrong, but the love of money for its own sake.” — Margaret Thatcher
Point Three: The Importance of Youth and Education
The future of the Caribbean does not belong to the politicians of today but to the youth who will inherit tomorrow. Education must prepare our young people not only for jobs, but for leadership, diplomacy, and critical thinking. If our region fails to invest in its human capital, we will remain vulnerable to external manipulation. A population that cannot think critically is easily swayed by propaganda.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Point Four: Climate Change as a Political Weapon
The politics of the region cannot be separated from the reality of climate change. Rising seas, stronger hurricanes, and environmental stress place small island nations at risk. Wealthy countries make promises of aid and green funding, yet often use climate negotiations to exert influence over poorer nations. For the Caribbean, survival itself is political, and climate change is now part of geopolitics.
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” — Native American Proverb
Point Five: Venezuela and the True Prize of Oil
At the center of much of this regional tension is Venezuela, a nation that sits on the largest proven oil reserves in the world. This wealth of natural resources makes Venezuela a constant point of contention. For decades, outside powers have eyed Venezuelan oil as if it were a prize for the taking. Yet we must be clear: Venezuelan oil belongs to the Venezuelan people, not to Washington, Beijing, or any foreign capital.
Exiled Venezuelans who were driven away by political repression yearn to return home not only to reclaim democracy, but also to reclaim the oil wealth that rightfully belongs to them and their children. Oil should be a national inheritance that lifts Venezuelans out of poverty, not a bargaining chip in global power games. The true prize of Venezuela’s oil is the survival and prosperity of Venezuela itself.
“Natural resources should serve humanity, not dominate it.” — Wangari Maathai
Point Six: Security and Migration
Instability in one nation often spills into its neighbors. The Caribbean has seen waves of migration from Venezuela and Haiti, placing pressure on small island states with limited resources. This is not just a humanitarian challenge but also a political and security issue. Increased migration fuels debates about border control, law enforcement, and social stability. How the region responds will determine whether it embraces compassion and order, or allows chaos and division to spread.
“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Point Seven: Macha Positioning and Geopolitical Posture
Another layer of politics in the region is what can be called macha positioning. This is the display of strength, the flexing of influence, and the posturing of nations without committing to open war. Countries use military exercises, diplomatic statements, and economic alliances to show dominance and intimidate rivals. It is a game of appearances, where leaders project toughness to secure leverage at the negotiation table.
The danger of macha positioning is that it can create unnecessary tensions. Pride and image become more important than peace and cooperation. History shows us that wars have often been sparked not by necessity, but by leaders refusing to lose face. The Caribbean must be wise enough to avoid becoming a stage for these dangerous displays of bravado.
“It is not power that corrupts, but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it.” — Aung San Suu Kyi
“More the knowledge, lesser the ego. Lesser the knowledge, more the ego.” — Albert Einstein
“War does not determine who is right, only who is left.” — Bertrand Russell
Conclusion
The Caribbean stands at a crossroads. Its unity, economic independence, and the education of its youth are the pillars that will determine whether the region thrives or falters. Climate change and migration test our resilience, while Venezuela’s oil reminds us that the true wealth of nations lies in the hands of their own people.
Macha positioning and external pressures challenge our ability to act with wisdom rather than ego. To navigate this complex landscape, the Caribbean must prioritize cooperation over division, long-term vision over short-term gain, and vigilance over impulse. Only by putting people first, respecting sovereignty, and embracing strategic patience can the region safeguard peace and prosperity for generations to come.
August 29, 2025
