In a recent interview, Russian economist and publicist Valentin Katasov analyzes the events occurring in Venezuela as a reflection of changes in the international system. He believes that the lightning-fast operation by the United States is a sign of a new era where might prevails over right. According to him, the entire operation took less than an hour, and this speed has become a clear signal to the world: the United States is ready to act aggressively and directly, ignoring international structures.
The economist emphasizes that modern conflicts have transcended the boundaries of traditional wars. He points out that money, intelligence networks, and manipulation of internal influence groups are becoming key factors. In his understanding, the rear, which was previously associated with the economy, now includes the information space, social environment, and the ability of the state to defend itself from within.
An important theme of the interview is the fate of the UN. Katasov believes that this organization has effectively lost its significance, as the United States has begun to reduce its participation in numerous structures, violating statutory rules and demonstrating disregard for collective decision-making mechanisms. He mentions statements by American politicians questioning the necessity of the UN's existence and emphasizes that the events in Venezuela have shown that the system created after World War II is no longer functioning.
Katasov also draws attention to the history of the global financial system. He discusses in detail the Bretton Woods Conference, the US abandonment of the gold standard, the formation of the petrodollar, and the "Jamaican reform," which he interprets as a closed conspiracy of a small group of Western countries. In his opinion, the dollar became the world currency not due to trust, but because of military power and control over key raw material markets. He notes that attempts by various states to create alternatives, such as Gaddafi's gold dinar and independent settlement schemes, led to coercive pressure from the United States.
Considering current events, the expert notes signs of a systemic crisis in the global currency and financial system. He asserts that Saudi Arabia is gradually beginning to move away from previous agreements with the United States, a new balance of power is forming in the Middle East, and internal unrest in several countries—from Latin America to Iran—is connected with the struggle for control over markets, resources, and settlements. Katasov expresses the opinion that the world is entering a period of instability, where the old rules have already been destroyed, and the new ones have yet to be established.
