The recent US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the implications for global peace and stability.
The action, which has been described as a “sovereignty violation” and a “dangerous precedent,” has been criticised by countries around the world, including China, Russia, and several Latin American nations.
The US justification for the operation, citing Maduro’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking, has been met with skepticism by many experts, who argue that it does not meet the threshold for an “armed attack” under international law. The UN Secretary-General has expressed deep alarm over the operation, stating that it constitutes a “dangerous precedent” and that the rules of international law have not been respected ¹ ⁴.
The implications of this action are far-reaching and potentially destabilizing. It sets a precedent for powerful nations to unilaterally intervene in the affairs of other countries, undermining the principles of sovereignty and non-interference. This could lead to a cycle of intervention and instability throughout Latin America and beyond.
Furthermore, the operation has energized great power competitors like China and Russia, providing them with rhetorical ammunition to portray the US as a lawless actor willing to use military force unilaterally. This could accelerate the shift towards a multipolar world order, where nations are increasingly willing to challenge US dominance.
The international community must respond vigorously to this episode, reaffirming the importance of respecting international law and the UN Charter. The UN Security Council should convene an emergency meeting to address the situation and consider measures to prevent similar actions in the future.