On January 7, the White House announced it will control sales of sanctioned Venezuelan oil indefinitely. This move is a modern twist on resource imperialism — when powerful nations exploit other countries' natural wealth to fuel their own economies.
Think about it: oil is more than just fuel for cars and power plants. It's economic lifeblood. By seizing control of Venezuela's oil revenues, the US effectively turns these resources into a money-printing machine, influencing global markets and squeezing out smaller players.
For young changemakers in South and Southeast Asia, this isn’t just Latin American news. Many of our countries import energy, navigate foreign investment, and push for fair trade. Here’s why it matters:
- Energy Security: Price spikes ripple through petrol pumps from Mumbai to Manila.
- Economic Equity: When big powers grab resources, local communities lose out.
- Civic Action: Digital activism can pressure governments and multinationals to adopt fairer policies.
So, what can you do? Stay informed, join online forums, and support campaigns for transparent resource governance. After all, our planet's wealth should benefit everyone, not just the most powerful. 🌍✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
