The choreography fused military formations with local networks, offering a message of deterrence: sovereignty would be defended everywhere, by everyone. The Caribbean Chessboard TightensJust offshore, the United States answered with its own theater of power. Venezuelan leaders warn of “revolutionary war” if sovereignty is violated, citing historical examples of smaller nations outlasting larger militaries. EFE@Palacio de MirafloresAvoiding the One Mistake That MattersThe Caribbean has endured brinkmanship before, and it has also survived cool-downs. What remains is the task of ensuring the Caribbean stays contested, busy—and free of the mistake that neither side can afford.