re: War breaking out in South America as early as tomorrow?!?

quote:

---

Basically, South America is the opposite of the Middle East. The entire region is united under the same religion (Catholicism), and the overwhelming majority speak one of two languages (Portuguese or Spanish). The borders weren’t drawn by the British, Ottomans, or Russians to purposefully pit tribes against each other to be more easily exploited, so the borders actually make sense. Most countries in South America have significant natural features (raging rivers, massive mountain ranges, dense jungles) that make their borders extremely defensible. There’s not a ton of oil rich countries, pretty much just Venezuela and Guyana, with Brazil having some reserves but not enough to be a major exporter. In addition, many nations purposely interbred their disparate tribal and colonial populations in order to create a Mestizo culture, further eroding tribalism and creating greater social unity.

---

Those are some good points. Particularly the common religion, vs throwing of the yoke of colonialism off yourself vs having it withdrawn after a great European war is interesting.

But I’m still surprised. I know little of the history but I know Gran Columbia existed prior and splintered into Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Ecuador. That no ultra nationalist movement got traction to put those pieces together or otherwise dominate their neighbors still seems surprising to me.

Credit really due to Brazil I guess for mostly living and and let live rather than ever trying to go Bismarck Germany or imperial Japan or Ottoman Empire or Russian Empire within their sphere of influence.

Yeah, early Paraguayan history is WILD. Dude thought he was Napoleon and bit off way more than anyone could chew.

This is a good reason to give more aid to Ukraine.

Out of morbid curiosity, I looked up where Jonestown, Guyana is. It is on the western edge of the country toward the Venezuelan border.


I think San Fran cultists have more legit claim to that area of Guyana than Venezuela.

quote:

---

What’s China’s play here?

---

Resources…..

China has invested heavily in both countries. I don’t know their specific play regarding this dispute.

Guyana has less to offer, but is heavily reliant on Chinese investment, and China has more control and influence over their government.

quote:

---

Venezuela is about to actually pick a fight with Brazil and the U.S. because Brazil has pledged to assist Guyana, and Exxon Mobil owns the rights to the oil in Guyana.

---

That won’t end well for Venezuela. Guess they’re tired of communism and need to be introduced to freedom and democracy

quote:

---

Actually I would rate South America as a pretty peaceful part of the world in terms of inter nation conflict.

---

Most of the people are from similar backgrounds so not a lot of hate between them I don’t think.

There was never a military coup or dictator they didn’t like down there though. They fight amongst themselves more than anything

Parts Unknown Season 4 episode 3 goes into the history.
The man was nuts and of course a woman was in the middle of it.