This is not an easy subject. Anti-imperialism may be a limited framework in this situation, and the Maduro government needs to be subject to pressure to leave. But I think, for historical reasons, that the U.S. cannot be the one to play that role. Perhaps this view will look wise, perhaps foolish. But it’s in the New York Times now, so there you have it.

The situation in Venezuela is, undoubtedly, difficult. But when it comes to Latin America, Washington has a long history of making difficult situations worse. It is precisely because Venezuela deserves a better government than it currently has that the United States should not play a role in choosing it.