On March 1, a Venezuelan warship intruded into Guyana’s EEZ, increasing tensions in a long-standing maritime dispute. The incident follows a referendum initiated by Venezuela regarding the contested Essequibo territory and highlights military posturing from both nations. Maduro’s actions might be aimed at consolidating internal support while testing external geopolitical dynamics. International engagement is critical for resolving the ongoing crisis to prevent further escalation.
On March 1, a Venezuelan warship intruded into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), escalating tensions by approaching the ExxonMobil oil facility, Liza Destiny, and demanding information from its crew. The situation highlighted the ongoing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, with both nations mobilizing resources and military support. Guyana condemned the incursion while Venezuela claimed the waters are part of a disputed maritime zone, further complicating the issue.
Over the past year and a half, tensions regarding the Essequibo territory have fluctuated, marked by heightened friction and military actions. In September 2023, Venezuela initiated a referendum for a state named “Guayana Esequiba,” despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling against any actions until its findings. The referendum vote, held in December 2023, sought to consolidate internal support for Maduro as he faced opposition from Guyana, which disputed the referendum’s legality.
Venezuelan military buildup, including enhancing a base on Anacoco Island, signaled rising aggression. The Argyle Accords, signed by Presidents Irfaan Ali and Nicolás Maduro in January 2024, aimed to deescalate tensions, yet violations by Venezuela followed closely. In late 2023, the UK deployed a warship to support Guyana, leading Venezuela to prepare for defensive military exercises, suggesting persistence in military posturing.
Maduro’s renewed focus on the Essequibo issue appears to be both an internal consolidation strategy and an external challenge to U.S. geopolitical interests. Amid the backdrop of shifting U.S. policies toward Venezuela, Maduro’s military activities might serve to rally domestic support and assert his regime’s relevance. Amidst an increasingly turbulent U.S. foreign policy landscape, Maduro may be attempting to signal U.S. vulnerability concerning regional threats.
The maritime border dispute reflects a complex geopolitical landscape. Venezuela’s naval claims and military activities challenge Guyana’s efforts to expand its oil production, particularly in the context of its recently discovered offshore reserves that might outpace Venezuela’s output. The March 2025 incident highlights Venezuela’s strategy to intimidate Guyana’s oil operations and assert claims over territory not widely contested.
International involvement is crucial to resolve the Venezuela-Guyana crisis effectively. Without regional and U.S. intervention, Venezuela may continue provocative actions. Maduro has demonstrated a willingness to engage in international diplomacy aimed at leveraging U.S. geopolitical distractions. The likelihood of external powers such as Brazil or China acting as mediators is contingent on the evolving geopolitical dynamics and regional interests at stake.
European nations, particularly the UK and France, may also play an essential role in providing diplomatic and military support to ensure regional stability. The risks posed by Venezuela’s aggressions have caught the attention of regional allies, emphasizing the immediate need for a coordinated international response to deter further escalation of military tensions in the region.
Venezuela’s naval incursion into Guyana’s EEZ on March 1, 2025, marks a significant escalation in the long-standing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region. This incident underscores the complexities of regional diplomacy, with Venezuelan actions reflecting a domestic consolidation strategy as it challenges U.S. interests. The international community’s active engagement is crucial to stabilize the situation and deter further aggression, drawing various global and regional powers into a complex web of alliances and interests. As Guyana expands its oil production, tensions are likely to persist unless effectively managed through diplomatic channeling and international support.
Original Source: www.csis.org
