As the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group (CSG) arrived in the Caribbean on November 11, much of the coverage—including here at CSIS—is deservedly on whether the redeployment signals a change in strategy, global posture, or even an impending military intervention. These are all excellent questions, especially given recent attacks on boats off Venezuela’s coast. Regardless of strategic intent, Venezuela clearly matters more to the U.S. government than it has at any point in recent memory.