DEBATE: Should the U.S. Militarily Intervene in Venezuela?
For three decades, Venezuela’s political opposition to the U.S. has prompted sanctions, political recognition battles, and calls for regime change. Advocates of intervention argue that the U.S. has a moral duty to defend democratic legitimacy and deter authoritarian consolidation; critics warn that military action would violate sovereignty, worsen a humanitarian disaster, and repeat the failures of past interventions in the Americas. What does international law permit? Would regional support materialize or backlash? And would force actually improve Venezuelans’ lives? This debate in New York City will stage the strongest cases on both sides to separate principle from wishful thinking.
After the conversation, we invite you to stick around for a drink and continue the discussion with our speakers. Seats are limited, so we recommend reserving yours today. If you can't make it in person, we'll also be streaming live on YouTube.
The resolution: “The U.S. should militarily intervene in Venezuela.”
Tuesday December 2nd, 2025 at 7:30 PM
7:30PM – 9:30PM (EST)
Where to watch: In-person OR on Young Voices' YouTube channel
Meet the Debaters
Proposition (Pro-Intervention)
Germania Rodriguez Poleo and Orlando Avendaño
Opposition (Anti-Intervention)
The Oxford-style debate will be moderated by the Director of Young Voices Debates, Hekmat Matthew Aboukhater.