Aruba and other Caribbean islands largely absent from Dutch defense analysis

THE HAGUE — Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten receive little attention in the Netherlands’ new Strategic Monitor for Defense, despite its mandate to identify trends and threats affecting the vital interests of the entire Kingdom.

According to the article, the Clingendael Institute’s report focuses primarily on the Netherlands and the military capabilities it will need through 2031. The three Caribbean countries are not separately addressed in its security analysis, while Venezuela is not mentioned.

Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius submitted the report on September 1 to both chambers of the Dutch Parliament and the parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Its geographical focus, however, is mainly on Russia, Europe, the North Atlantic, the Arctic and the Indo-Pacific.

Venezuela’s omission stands out given its proximity to Aruba and Curaçao. Other official assessments, including the military intelligence service MIVD’s 2025 annual report, have identified concerns about developments in Venezuela and tensions with the United States.

The Kingdom Security Strategy 2023–2029 also recognizes risks associated with migration from Venezuela and competition among global powers in the Caribbean.

The contrast raises questions about how fully the security of Aruba and the other Caribbean countries is considered in a report intended to assess the interests of the entire Kingdom.