Commentary
Across policy circles and social media, there is growing optimism that regime change may finally be unfolding in both Venezuela and Iran. In Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro has been removed and is now in U.S. custody, yet a stable post-Maduro government has not emerged. In Iran, sustained internal pressure and external confrontation have fueled speculation that the Islamic Republic’s grip on power may be weakening. After years of repression, corruption, and economic collapse, it is understandable that many see the end of these regimes as an unambiguous good.