In the early hours of January 3, 2026, the U.S. military launched Operation Absolute Resolve to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and bring him to the United States to stand trial. Many people in Venezuela and around the world were grateful to see the demise of Maduro’s brutal and corrupt regime, but the U.S. move leaves open critical questions about the future of governance in Venezuela as well as U.S. policy in Latin America.

CCWA is honored to host Ambassador William (Bill) Brownfield to discuss these timely issues. Ambassador Brownfield is a former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela and former Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and will provide his unique perspective and analysis on the future of Venezuela, U.S. involvement there, and how these events may shape U.S. relations across the Western Hemisphere. Are these events in Venezuela a one-off occurrence, or has the U.S. set a new standard for engagement in the region?

Please note that this event will be held at the Parma-Snow Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. After the program, we encourage you to continue the conversation with CCWA’s Carter E. Strang Young Professionals Advisory Committee down the street at Parma Tavern. All are welcome!