A recently surfaced document from former U.S. Southern Command chief Laura Richardson details a strategic assessment of Latin America’s vast natural resources-including oil,lithium,and rare earth minerals-as critical to diminishing U.S. dependence on global competitors. The assessment, reportedly completed before the January 4th capture of venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has sparked debate regarding U.S. intervention in the region and potential shifts in foreign policy [[1]]. As geopolitical tensions rise worldwide, the U.S. appears to be increasingly focused on securing access to key resources within its own hemisphere, raising questions about its long-term approach to regional partnerships and stability [[2]].
A document authored by former U.S. Southern Command chief Laura Richardson suggests the United States views Latin America as a crucial source of resources, including oil, minerals, and rare earth elements, as it seeks to lessen its reliance on other global powers. The assessment, made before recent developments, reportedly outlines a strategy for increased U.S. independence through cooperation with Latin American nations.
The analysis comes as the U.S. is increasingly focused on Venezuela, and follows the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro, raising questions about the motivations behind American intervention in the region. According to a report, Richardson stated that Latin America “has everything we need.”
Journalist Rafael Cavada expanded on this idea, noting the document aligns with the current U.S. national security strategy and actions in Venezuela. “It has oil, gold, lithium, copper, rare earths, it has everything,” Cavada said. “We (according to the document), with the cooperation of our allies, can be independent of the rest of the world.”
Speaking on CHV Noticias, Cavada argued the U.S. is securing access to vital resources amid growing instability in the Middle East. He specifically highlighted the importance of securing oil supplies, rare earth elements in relation to Brazil, and “something that could directly affect us: lithium and copper.”
Cavada further suggested the strategy reflects a broader shift under former President Donald Trump to refocus on Latin America, allowing European nations to address issues with Russia while maintaining a degree of control over the Western Hemisphere. This move underscores a potential realignment of U.S. foreign policy priorities.
“That is to say, Milei, his friendship with Bukele and his complacency with the triumph of José Antonio Kast,” Cavada concluded. The assessment suggests a potential U.S. alignment with certain political figures in the region.
