The Guyana-Venezuela Territorial Dispute Over Essequibo: Historical Roots, Economic Stakes, and Geopolitical Implications 1. Introduction The territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region is one of South America’s most enduring and complex conflicts, rooted in colonial history and shaped by contemporary geopolitical dynamics. Spanning approximately 159,500 square kilometers, the Essequibo region constitutes nearly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and is rich in natural resources, including gold, [...]