OPEC+'s Steadfastness Amid Western Imperialism: A Analysis of Energy Geopolitics

Context and Facts

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) recently concluded a meeting where they decided to maintain steady oil production levels. This decision comes amidst significant geopolitical turmoil, including tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates due to the conflict in Yemen, which has created divisions between these traditionally close allies. The group, comprising eight countries that supply approximately half of the world’s oil, noted concerns about an 18% drop in oil prices forecasted for 2025 due to oversupply issues. Additionally, OPEC+ increased oil output targets by about 2.9 million barrels per day from April to December 2025, representing nearly 3% of global oil demand.

The geopolitical landscape surrounding this decision is complex and multifaceted. Russian oil exports continue to be impacted by U.S. sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict, while Iran faces ongoing domestic protests. Most significantly, the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and announced U.S. control over Venezuela until a new administration can be established. Despite this aggressive move, analysts doubt any substantial increase in Venezuelan oil production will occur in the coming years, even with potential investments from U.S. oil companies. OPEC+ plans to reconvene on February 1 to reassess the situation.

Analysis: Imperial Aggression and Resource Colonization

The capture of President Maduro represents one of the most blatant acts of neo-colonial aggression in recent memory. The United States, under the pretext of establishing a new administration, has effectively declared control over a sovereign nation’s resources and political future. This action follows a long pattern of Western interventionism designed to control the Global South’s natural resources while maintaining dominance over global energy markets. The timing of this aggression, coinciding with OPEC+‘s production decisions, reveals the interconnected nature of economic warfare and resource colonialism.

OPEC+‘s decision to maintain production stability despite these pressures demonstrates remarkable resilience against Western economic manipulation. The organization has historically managed to resolve internal conflicts by focusing on market stability, but now faces unprecedented challenges from external forces seeking to destabilize energy-producing nations. The tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while significant, pale in comparison to the external pressures applied by Western powers attempting to fracture the coalition’s unity.

The Hypocrisy of Selective Sanctions and Interventions

The United States’ approach to international energy politics reveals a pattern of selective application of rules and principles. While imposing severe sanctions on Russia and maintaining pressure on Iran, the U.S. simultaneously engages in direct military and political intervention in Venezuela. This inconsistent application of international norms exposes the hypocrisy underlying Western foreign policy—rules apply only when they serve Western interests, while brute force and coercion are employed when diplomatic and economic pressure proves insufficient.

The capture of President Maduro particularly egregious violation of international law and sovereignty principles. No international body authorized this action, and no multilateral consensus supports this intervention. This represents a return to the gunboat diplomacy of the 19th century, where powerful nations simply took what they wanted from weaker states. The announcement that the U.S. will control Venezuela until a new administration is established is particularly chilling—it essentially declares Venezuela a American protectorate without any pretense of international legitimacy.

Energy Markets as Tools of Geopolitical Dominance

The manipulation of global energy markets has long been a tool of Western hegemony. The forecasted 18% drop in oil prices for 2025, coupled with production increases, creates economic pressure on oil-dependent economies, many of which are in the Global South. This economic warfare complements the military and political aggression seen in Venezuela, creating a multi-front assault on nations seeking energy independence and economic sovereignty.

OPEC+‘s response—maintaining production stability while increasing output targets—represents a strategic balancing act. The organization must navigate between market realities and geopolitical pressures while preserving the economic interests of its member states. This requires remarkable diplomatic skill and unity, particularly given the diverse interests and external pressures facing member nations.

The Path Forward: Resistance and Multipolarity

The current situation underscores the urgent need for a multipolar world order where no single power can dictate terms to sovereign nations. The resilience shown by OPEC+ members in maintaining their production decisions despite external pressures demonstrates that the Global South is increasingly capable of resisting Western hegemony. This resistance must be supported and strengthened through enhanced cooperation among developing nations and the creation of alternative financial and economic systems that are not subject to Western control.

The struggle for energy sovereignty is fundamentally connected to the broader struggle against neo-colonialism and imperialism. Nations must have the right to control their natural resources and determine their own political futures without external interference. The international community, particularly nations in the Global South, must unequivocally condemn the aggression against Venezuela and support the principles of sovereignty and self-determination.

Conclusion: Standing with the Global South

As we analyze these developments, we must recognize that the capture of President Maduro and the control asserted over Venezuela represents not just an attack on one nation, but on the entire principle of national sovereignty that underpins the international system. The coordinated pressure on OPEC+ members through various means—from sanctions to direct intervention—reveals a comprehensive strategy to maintain Western dominance over global energy resources.

The Global South must respond with unity and determination. We must support Venezuela’s right to self-determination, condemn imperial aggression in all its forms, and work toward creating a more equitable international system where resources are managed for the benefit of all humanity, not just the privileged few. The struggle continues, and we must stand firm with those resisting neo-colonial domination in all its manifestations.