Just short of total chaos and insurrection, Venezuela appears to be considering going to war with neighboring Guyana over a large region called the Essequibo. It is claimed by both nations but has been governed by Guyana for almost 50 years, and before that by Britain whose colony Guyana was.
The precipitating issue is a decision by Exxon-Mobil to explore for oil in the Essequibo territory. See an article at Worldcrunch for details.
Venezuela teeters on the brink of bankruptcy. President Maduro may use the issue to distract his people from their economic discontents.
General Galtieri utilized this ploy in Argentina vis-a-vis the Falkland Islands. It was a disaster for the Argies; it would likely be one for impoverished Venezuela as well.
Perhaps knowing Guyana has the support of the U.K. and the U.S. will dissuade Maduro. Or perhaps he'd rather go down in flames, a martyr to the cause of Greater Venezuela.
