Enemy Labels Don’t Sell Wars

Americans are more likely to call Venezuela unfriendly or an enemy, yet majorities oppose invading or overthrowing Nicolás Maduro. Half have no view of Maduro and 61% are unsure whether the U.S. is better off if he’s ousted, while more think interventions make things worse. The 'enemy' frame does not translate into public appetite for regime change. — This constrains escalation narratives by showing adversary branding alone doesn’t generate consent for force, shaping how administrations message and pursue conflict.