By Mark DaCosta- The dramatic shift in United States (U.S) foreign policy under Donald Trump, marked by a growing alignment with Russia and a retreat from democratic norms and global leadership, poses a direct and existential threat to Guyana’s sovereignty. That view is being expressed by analysts who share opinions with this publication.
As Trump’s administration embraces isolationism and echoes Russian narratives on Ukraine, the United States is increasingly unlikely to intervene in international conflicts, including potential Venezuelan aggression over the Essequibo region. Guyana must urgently reassess its security strategy, mobilise its defence forces, and forge new international alliances to safeguard its territorial integrity, observers say. The recent attack on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) personnel by suspected Venezuelan assailants underscores the urgency of this task.
Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric and actions represent a seismic shift in U.S. foreign policy. In a series of public statements, Trump has aligned himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative on Ukraine, falsely claiming that Ukraine started the war and accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of mismanagement.
“Zelensky better move faster. He’s not going to have a country left,” Trump declared during a speech in Miami, echoing Moscow’s talking points. This stance not only undermines Ukraine’s position but also signals a broader retreat from global leadership and a willingness to abandon long standing allies.
According to foreign policy experts, Trump’s approach reflects a broader trend towards isolationism and hyper-nationalism, which prioritises domestic interests over international commitments. This shift has alarmed European leaders and raised questions about the reliability of U.S. support in global conflicts.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson noted, “Trump’s statements are not intended to be historically accurate but to shock Europeans into action.” However, this strategy risks emboldening authoritarian regimes, including Venezuela, which has long sought to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region.
The recent attack on GDF personnel by suspected Venezuelan assailants underscores the growing threat to Guyana’s sovereignty. On 17 February 2025, a GDF patrol near the Cuyuni River was ambushed by armed men in two wooden boats. The attackers, described as masked and heavily armed, opened fire on the GDF team, injuring six soldiers, two of whom are in critical condition. A retired senior military officer described the incident as a “coordinated military operation” rather than a random criminal act, suggesting that Venezuelan forces may have been involved.
Venezuela’s territorial ambitions are well-documented. The country has occupied Guyana’s half of Ankoko Island since 1966 and continues to assert claims over two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. According to experts, the attack on the GDF is part of a broader pattern of aggression aimed at testing Guyana’s resolve and the international community’s response. The retired officer warned, “This is an international military incident, a further military incursion by Venezuela against Guyana. It must not be reduced to a simple domestic border incident.”
The lack of condemnation from the United States following the attack on GDF personnel is deeply concerning. Historically, U.S. support has been a deterrent against Venezuelan aggression. However, under Trump’s leadership, the US appears increasingly disengaged from global conflicts. Trump’s focus on domestic issues and his alignment with Russia have created a vacuum in international leadership. His recent remarks on Ukraine, including the false claim that “Ukraine started the war,” suggest a willingness to prioritise political expediency over factual accuracy and international stability.
According to analysts, this shift has profound implications for Guyana. As Trump’s administration distances itself from traditional allies and embraces isolationism, the likelihood of US intervention in the event of a Venezuelan incursion diminishes.
Guyana can no longer rely on the U.S. as a guarantor of our security. The silence from Washington following the attack on GDF personnel is a stark reminder of this new reality.
Trump’s foreign policy reversal is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader trend towards isolationism and nationalism. According to experts, this trend is driven by a combination of domestic political pressures and a growing scepticism of international commitments.
Trump’s rhetoric on Ukraine, for example, reflects a broader disdain for multilateralism and a preference for bilateral deals that prioritise Trump’s agenda.
This shift has significant implications for small nations like Guyana, which rely on international alliances and the rule of law to protect their sovereignty. According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), “The retreat of the U.S. from its traditional role as a global leader creates opportunities for authoritarian regimes to assert their influence and challenge the international order.” In the case of Guyana, this could mean increased aggression from Venezuela and a lack of support from traditional allies.
According to a local analyst, in light of these developments, the Irfaan Ali administration must act swiftly to protect Guyana’s sovereignty. The government should prioritise the following measures:
1. Strengthen the Guyana Defence Force: The GDF must be adequately resourced and trained to respond to potential threats. The recent attack highlights the need for enhanced border security and rapid response capabilities. According to a military expert, investing in modern equipment and training is essential to deter future incursions.
2. Forge New Alliances: Guyana should seek to strengthen ties with regional and global partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, and other nations committed to upholding international law. Diplomatic efforts should focus on garnering support for Guyana’s territorial integrity. According to analysts, partnerships with countries like Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom could provide critical support in the event of a crisis.
3. Engage the International Community: The government must bring the issue of Venezuelan aggression to the attention of international bodies such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States. A coordinated international response is essential to deter further incursions. According to experts, leveraging international legal mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), could help reinforce Guyana’s cause.
4. Public Awareness and Unity: The government should communicate the gravity of the situation to the Guyanese people, fostering a sense of national unity and resilience in the face of external threats. According to political analysts, public support is crucial for the success of any security strategy.
The Trump administration’s isolationist policies and alarming alignment with Russia have created a precarious global environment, particularly for small nations like Guyana. The recent attack on GDF personnel by suspected Venezuelan forces is a stark reminder of the threats to our sovereignty. Guyana cannot afford to wait for external saviours; we must take proactive steps to defend our land and secure our future.
As the retired military officer aptly stated, “The sovereignty of Guyana is under direct military threat, and the international community must take notice.” The time to act is now. By strengthening our defence capabilities, forging new alliances, and engaging the international community, we can protect our nation from the growing threats posed by Venezuelan aggression and a retreating United States from democratic values.
