In the wake of the audacious military operation in Venezuela, foreign policy analysts and a leading Sky News podcast are questioning where American focus might turn next. The discussion centres on whether former President Donald Trump could set his sights on territories like Greenland or Cuba.
After Venezuela: A Region on Edge
The catalyst for this speculation was the event on Wednesday 7 January 2026, when American special forces removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He was subsequently taken to New York to face trial, an unprecedented move in modern inter-American relations.
Reporting from Venezuela's border in Colombia, Sky News correspondent Richard Engel provided insight into the tense mood in the neighbouring country during a conversation with presenter Yalda Hakim on their podcast, The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim.
Strategic Ambitions: Greenland and Beyond
The podcast delves into the underlying motives for the Venezuela intervention and poses critical questions about future US strategy. A key point of discussion is Trump's historically stated interest in Greenland, including his past remarks about "needing" the vast Arctic territory, and whether such geopolitical ambitions could resurface.
Furthermore, analysts are examining the possibility of similar action against Cuba, a long-standing foreign policy challenge for successive US administrations. The removal of Maduro has raised concerns about a potential shift towards more direct interventionism in the hemisphere.
Broader Global Implications
The conversation on the Sky News podcast is not limited to the Americas. Yalda Hakim also provides analysis on the volatile situation in Iran, sharing her perspective on the potential for Israeli military action against the country within the year.
This episode forms part of a broader examination of global power dynamics and the potential for dramatic shifts in international relations. Listeners can access the full discussion, titled "Could Trump go for Greenland or Cuba next?", via their preferred podcast app or by watching the video version on Sky News' YouTube channel.
Questions for the hosts can be submitted to theworld@sky.uk.
