This monograph examines Russia's influence in Venezuela. The Russian presence in Venezuela presents a challenge to US security interests in the Western Hemisphere. The Russian approach resembles Soviet policy in the Western Hemisphere during the Cold War. In compliance with the Primakov Doctrine, Russia's foreign policy leverages its influence in Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to establish a multipolar world and challenge the United States. This monograph argues that Russia has overlapping strategic interests in Venezuela and may use asymmetric countermeasures to preserve its interests. This monograph encourages US operational and strategic planners to consider Russian courses of action to maintain influence in Venezuela. These considerations can drive and inform effective future US operations.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)