The US Seizure of Maduro: How Trump Has Transformed the World's Superpower into a Rogue State
Against the backdrop of the widespread uncertainty following the United States attacks on Venezuela, the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, and Donald Trump's announcement that the US will “control” the country and “seize control of the oil”, one thing is clear – this establishes a truly chilling precedent.
A Dark Legacy and an Unprecedented Move
The United States carries a troubling legacy of interference, invasion and occupation in Latin America, but this past Saturday morning saw its premier large-scale offensive on South American land. “The preeminence of America in this region is now beyond dispute,” Trump proclaimed.
The move to assault another sovereign country and capture its head of state – only a few days after he openly looked for a diplomatic solution – possesses far-reaching consequences. We all have reason to be worried.
Profound Uncertainty for Venezuela
Venezuelans have endured a repressive, kleptocratic and incompetent regime under Mr Maduro, widely believed to have stolen the last election. They now face extreme instability in the best case. Mr Trump has suggested that the vice president, Delcy Rodríguez would do as the US says, and dismissed conservative dissident leader and Nobel prize-winner María Corina Machado as a plausible replacement.
However, Ms Rodríguez, now the temporary head of state, has so far struck a defiant tone – and other elements of the headless administration are far more intransigent.
The Superpower as Rogue State
A man who won power vowing to end foreign wars now says he is “willing to put soldiers into combat”. Rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War was more than posturing. He no longer views the world’s superpower as a guardian of order; he is turning it into a rogue state.
He believes that the US’s might enables it to do as it wishes with little consequence: observe the military actions against Nigeria and Iranian installations. He promises that Venezuelan oil means this new undertaking “will pay for itself”.
An Attack Without Legal Justification
George W. Bush initiated war in Iraq on a lie. But this unlawful assault came lacking any form of UN approval or the consent of the US Congress; Democrats were not even informed and say they were given false information in briefings. Mr Trump aims not merely to stretch international norms, but to shatter them.
Set aside the message this sends to global powers like Russia and China, and question the future path of the United States. While the raid reportedly killed 40 Venezuelans, including civilians, there were no American fatalities. Mr Trump’s growing sense of invincibility will surely embolden further adventurism.
Flimsy Justifications and Underlying Drivers
Few believe the justification that this is concerning narcotics. Venezuela is only a small transit route for cocaine; Mr Trump recently exonerated the past Honduran leader Juan Orlando Hernández for drugs and weapons crimes. Mr Trump himself made it clear that he is driven by the lure of oil as well as a desire to project strength, the beliefs held by certain advisors, and the desire for glory as his standing with the American public falters.
World Leaders' Silence and a Weakened UN
The international response, especially in Europe, has – with notable outliers – been shockingly muted. That’s not a result of Mr Maduro’s sins, but fear of Mr Trump’s wrath. The strong reaction from UN Secretary General António Guterres was commendable, but this episode emphasizes the institution’s growing irrelevance.
Mr Trump’s isolationist supporters at home could yet press him to turn attention back home – but soaring healthcare premiums, economic unhappiness and ongoing controversies increase his appetite for distraction.
It has been less than 12 months into his time in office. World leaders may regret it if they fail to speak up today, with the question of which nation is next looming.