In a significant shift in a volatile international situation, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly cancelled a planned second wave of military actions against Venezuela. The development comes as Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is said to be traveling to Washington, D.C., according to a report from Reuters published on the morning of January 9, 2026.
A Sudden Shift in Military Strategy
The decision to halt further strikes marks a sudden pivot after initial U.S. operations in Venezuela, which included the seizure of two more oil ships. The context of these actions has been framed by some analysts under the emerging and controversial 'Donroe Doctrine', a term reflecting Trump's unilateral approach to foreign intervention. One analyst starkly noted the apparent lack of oversight, stating, 'There seems to be no check or balance whatsoever on Donald Trump.' This raises immediate and serious questions for international observers, including Canada, about the stability and predictability of U.S. foreign policy.
Machado's Role and Diplomatic Moves
The cancellation of military action coincides with the movement of a key political figure. Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader in Venezuela, is confirmed to be en route to the American capital. Her arrival in Washington is likely to fuel intense diplomatic discussions regarding the future of Venezuela and the U.S. strategy towards the South American nation. While the precise agenda of her visit remains unclear, it signals a potential diplomatic channel being pursued alongside, or perhaps instead of, military options.
Implications for Canada and Global Order
For Canada, these events underscore a pressing foreign policy dilemma. The central question becomes: How seriously should Canada take the ‘Donroe Doctrine’? The doctrine's apparent emphasis on unilateral action without traditional checks challenges the international rules-based order that Canada has consistently supported. Ottawa must now carefully assess the ramifications for its own foreign policy, its relationship with the United States, and its stance on the Venezuela crisis. The situation demands a calibrated response that upholds Canadian values while navigating an increasingly unpredictable alliance with its southern neighbor.
The unfolding scenario presents a critical test for global diplomacy. The abrupt change from military escalation to a pause, paired with high-level political travel, suggests a fluid and uncertain chapter in U.S.-Venezuela relations. The world, and Canada in particular, will be watching closely to see if this leads to de-escalation or merely a temporary lull in hostilities.
