[bawolff]

> As an example, the American Revolution had support from France, the Netherlands, and Spain

But to what extent did they do it to "free" america vs to take Britian down a peg because they worried Britian was getting too powerful?

I think most people here are doubtful of Trumps motives or that this coup will actually lead to a free Venezuela.

America worked out really well. There are many many examples in history where imperial powers interfering in a local power struggle worked out very poorly for the average person of the country.

[jacquesm]

> America worked out really well.

That really depends on who you are asking.

[wpietri]

Are these really separable? Even a an individual I generally have multiple motivations for an action. That has to be even more true for whole nations.

And I don't think there's any reason to be doubtful of Trump's motivations. He's a would-be tyrant and has made it clear that this is about world dominance, Venezuela's oil, and enriching American businessmen. He has no interest in a free, democratic Venezuela. If this does work out well for Venezuelans, it'll be more due to Trump's flaws (arrogance, laziness, increasing dementia, and the TACO phenomenon) than any intent on his part.