The capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces in the early morning hours of January 3, 2026 produced dramatic headlines, but a key question now is whether his removal alone significantly affects the dynamics that have underpinned Venezuela’s long running crises. The reality, though, is that the fundamental challenges that shaped Venezuela’s trajectory before Maduro’s capture remain firmly in place today, and none of the country’s core problems can or will be resolved by Maduro’s removal alone. […]