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The USA commands the largest oil deposit in the world, but reserves with more than 300 billion barrels could fall into the arms of Brazil, China and Russia; black treasure has the power to cause unprecedented geopolitical crisis

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 10/08/2024 às 15:29
The USA commands the largest oil deposit in the world, but reserves with more than 300 billion barrels could fall into the arms of Brazil, China and Russia. (Image: reproduction)
The USA commands the largest oil deposit in the world, but reserves with more than 300 billion barrels could fall into the arms of Brazil, China and Russia. (Image: reproduction)

Imagine a nation sitting on an oil reserve capable of altering the global balance of power. Now, visualize this nation in the hands of a leader willing to play with the most influential powers in the world.

This is the scenario that is unfolding in Venezuela, where dictator Nicolás Maduro threatens to transform the country into a key player on the geopolitical board around oil.

Deep within Venezuela lies the largest proven oil reserve in the world, with more than 300 billion barrels. This dark treasure is not only vast in quantity, but also has the potential to redefine global alliances, especially if it falls into the hands of powers like China and Russia, which compete directly with the United States.

Political dispute

Last Friday, August 2, Maduro raised tensions by declaring that he would hand over the oil and gas blocks operated by the United States in Venezuela to the BRICS countries – a group formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – if Washington made the “mistake of its life.”

Although Maduro did not detail what this error would be, the threat is clear: any movement unfavorable to the Venezuelan regime could lead to a unprecedented geopolitical upheaval.

As tensions rise, Maduro stated that the “largest investments” in oil and gas in Venezuela already come from the BRICS, suggesting that the country is prepared to strengthen ties with these nations. This represents a red alert for the US, which has long viewed Venezuela as a region of strategic interest due to its abundance of natural resources.

United States company operates in Venezuela

Chevron, the American oil giant, is one of the main companies operating in Venezuela, in collaboration with the state-owned PDVSA.

The partnership includes projects in onshore and offshore areas, notably in the Orinoco Belt, one of the most oil-rich regions in the world. In November 2022, the US government granted authorization to Chevron to resume limited oil extraction activities in Venezuela, temporarily easing sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime in exchange for commitments to free elections in 2024.

However, this concession was restricted again in April 2024, when Washington reinstated sanctions against Caracas. Despite this, Venezuela has managed to maintain licenses for some international operations, which keeps the country in the global energy game.

Additionally, we bring Maduro has repeatedly expressed Venezuela's desire to formally join the BRICS, a group that has grown in influence and has recently incorporated new members such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Iran.. This expansion only increases the bloc's political and economic weight, making Maduro's threat even more relevant.

Almost 20% of global reserves

Venezuela, despite its internal crisis, holds around 18% of global oil reserves, surpassing countries such as Saudi Arabia and Canada in volume. This reality makes the country a coveted target, especially in a world where disputes over Energy resources are crucial to global hegemony.

According to experts, If Maduro hands over these resources to the BRICS, it could not only challenge the US position in Latin America, but also trigger a new world order where emerging powers take the lead..

The scenario is complex: The geopolitics of Venezuelan oil could be the trigger for a global crisis, or the element that will consolidate new international alliances. The future of this wealth, which is at stake today, could define the balance of power in the coming decades.

And do you, reader, believe that this bold move by Maduro can really change the global scenario?

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Claudio Almeida
Claudio Almeida
11/08/2024 00:06

Congratulations President Maduro, for your courage and determination, think about the well-being of your people and the country, it is difficult to escape the claws of the American hawk, but not impossible. The BRICS is the best for your nation and the security of your people.

Odnalro S.
Odnalro S.
11/08/2024 15:16

Yet another bravado from Maduro, who must remember what the US did to Saddam Hussein who dared to break American hegemony in global control of oil.

Joao Prado
Joao Prado
11/08/2024 16:11

The US continues to think that the world is its colonies.

Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines and over 12 thousand online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

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