The US Seizure of Maduro: How Trump Has Transformed the World's Superpower into a Rogue State
Amid the immense confusion following the United States attacks on Venezuela, the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro, and Donald Trump's announcement that the US will “control” the country and “take back the oil”, a single fact remains evident – these actions create a profoundly disturbing precedent.
Past Interference and a New Threshold Crossed
The United States possesses a dark record of meddling, military incursions, and control in the region, but this past Saturday morning marked its premier large-scale offensive on the soil of a South American nation. “The preeminence of America in this region is now beyond dispute,” Trump proclaimed.
The move to assault another independent nation and seize its president – just a short time after he publicly sought an off-ramp – possesses far-reaching consequences. It should alarm us all.
Profound Uncertainty for Venezuela
Venezuelans have suffered under an oppressive, corrupt, and inept government under Mr Maduro, widely believed to have fraudulently won the most recent election. They now face extreme instability in the best case. Mr Trump has suggested that Mr Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodríguez would follow US instructions, and rejected conservative dissident leader and Nobel prize-winner María Corina Machado as a credible successor.
However, Ms Rodríguez, now the acting leader, has so far struck a defiant tone – and other elements of the leadership-stricken government are far more intransigent.
A Shift in Global Role
A man who came to office vowing to end foreign wars now says he is “not afraid of boots on the ground”. Redesignating the Department of Defense as the Department of War was more than posturing. He does not see the world’s superpower as a guardian of order; he is converting it into a renegade nation.
He holds the view that the US’s might enables it to do as it wishes with minimal cost: consider the strikes on Nigeria, on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He asserts that the oil resources of Venezuela means this latest episode “will pay for itself”.
An Attack Without Legal Justification
George W. Bush invaded Iraq on a lie. But this action without legal basis came absent any United Nations mandate or congressional approval; key legislators received no advance notice and say they were actively misled in briefings. Mr Trump is not trying to twist international norms, but to shatter them.
Disregard the message this sends to Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and others, and ask where the US itself is heading. While the raid is said to have slain 40 Venezuelans, including civilians, no US personnel died. Mr Trump’s increasing belief in his impunity will likely encourage more reckless actions.
The Thin Pretext and True Motives
Few believe the justification that this is related to the drug trade. Venezuela is only a small transit route for cocaine; Mr Trump recently pardoned the past Honduran leader Juan Orlando Hernández for narcotics and arms offenses. Mr Trump himself has stated plainly that he is driven by the lure of oil as well as personal bravado, 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 global reaction, especially in Europe, has – with notable outliers – been shockingly muted. That’s not due to Mr Maduro’s sins, but anxiety over Mr Trump’s wrath. The forceful statement from UN Secretary General António Guterres was welcome, but this episode highlights the UN's diminishing clout.
Mr Trump’s voters who oppose foreign entanglements could potentially force him to turn attention back home – but rising medical costs, financial discontent and other domestic scandals make foreign conflicts more appealing.
It has been less than 12 months into his four-year term. Other governments may live to repent if they remain quiet at this juncture, with the question of which nation is next looming.