US-Russia Relations & Foreign Policy - The report suggests a shift in the US administration's posture towards Russia, seemingly disregarding previous concerns about Russian aggression, cyber attacks, and military threats [2] - Concerns are raised that the administration's actions may prioritize the personal financial interests of individuals connected to Donald Trump, potentially at the expense of American interests and security [3] - Russia is perceived by some within the administration as a "financial opportunity," despite historical challenges and risks associated with investing in the country due to a lack of rule of law [3][4] - Russia is allegedly attempting to leverage special deals to undermine US support for Ukraine and create divisions between the US and its European allies [5] - The administration is described as potentially favoring a world order of authoritarian ethnostates, influencing its approach to foreign policy and relationships with Europe [6][7] - The current US foreign policy lacks consistency and is driven by the whims of Donald Trump, exemplified by actions towards Venezuela [13] - The concept of "spheres of influence," with the US, Russia, and China each controlling regions, is identified as a Russian idea with potential drawbacks, including historical associations with world wars and disregard for US interests in Europe [15][16][17] Economic & Geopolitical Implications - The administration views past US efforts to promote global prosperity as the US being taken advantage of, failing to recognize the mutual benefits of international cooperation [11][12] - Abandoning alliances with Europe is questioned, considering the global prosperity and poverty reduction achieved over the past 70 years [8][9] - The Secretary General of NATO warns that Russia's actions indicate it has no intention of staying within its borders, highlighting the potential for conflict in Europe [19][20] Allegations of Corruption & Abuse of Power - The report alleges that the Trump administration's actions are primarily motivated by Donald Trump's desire to profit from his office, potentially leading to corruption and the subordination of American interests to personal gain [20][21][22]

Robert Konigsberg, our founder of Gramercy Funds Management, a global leader in emerging markets, writing. It is so hard to imagine that the art of the deal leads to something short of Maduro seizing power. The path to de-escalation has become quite narrow.Robert joins us now. Robert, thank you so much for being with us. How are you understanding this from an investment standpoint about what U.S. involvement with Venezuela looks like now and what it will look like, say, six months from now.Sure. Good mornin ...