The geopolitical chess around Venezuelan and Canadian petroleum reserves reveals a deeper structural reality: major powers won't permit Beijing or Moscow to dominate energy supplies in the Western Hemisphere. It's not just ideological—it's about resource security and economic leverage. While the specifics vary by region and timeline, the fundamental dynamic remains constant. Energy nationalism is reshaping global markets, and understanding these power dynamics becomes crucial for anyone tracking oil prices, currency fluctuations, and broader macroeconomic trends. The implications ripple through commodity markets far beyond crude itself.