Link to article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/7/us-to-conduct-guyana-flights-as-tensions-mount-over-venezuela-dispute
Venezuela and Guyana have long been engaged in a border dispute and surrounding tensions have recently intensified. The argument is over Essequibo, an area belonging to Guyana that is rich with gas and oil resources. Venezuela has been eyeing the territory for quite some time, claiming that the Essequibo River has historically been recognized as a natural border between the two countries. The United States has declared support for Guyana, offering to conduct joint flight drills in preparation for more aggressive conflict. This will strengthen the existing security relationship between the two countries.
As aforementioned, the disputed area is brimming with valuable resources of economic interest. Thus, both countries will enter the conflict with unyielding intention of either maintaining or acquiring the territory. Both countries are holding firm to their claims, so it is likely that the conflict will escalate. Furthermore, the United States’ involvement will give Guyana an initial edge over Venezuela because the superpower has the ability to easily influence solutions. Additionally, Venezuelan voters have already denied the International Court of Justices’ authority over the dispute. Thus, it should be interesting to witness their reactions to the court’s decision.
In class we have discussed the different approaches to international security threats and conflicts. Two of these strategies include unilateral policy and multilateral policy. With the unilateral approach, a state takes on a conflict individually. With the multilateral approach, a state takes on a conflict alongside intergovernmental organizations and allies. In this situation, the states have assumed a multilateral mindset as they have involved regional blocs and the United States. They are also set to meet one another and coordinate a solution.