Trump's Capture of Maduro: Turning a Global Superpower into a Lawless Actor
Within the considerable disarray following the US strikes on Venezuela, the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro, and statements from Trump that the US will “run” the country and “take back the oil”, a single fact remains evident – these actions create a profoundly disturbing precedent.
A Grim History and a New Escalation
The United States has a grim history of interference, invasion and occupation in Latin America, but this past Saturday morning marked its premier large-scale offensive on the continent of South America. “American dominance in the western hemisphere will never be questioned again,” Trump proclaimed.
The choice to militarily strike another independent nation and capture its head of state – just a short time after he openly looked for a diplomatic solution – possesses far-reaching consequences. It should alarm us all.
Deep Instability for a Nation in Crisis
Venezuelans have endured a repressive, kleptocratic and incompetent regime under Mr Maduro, widely believed to have rigged the previous presidential vote. They now face profound uncertainty at best. Mr Trump has indicated that Maduro's second-in-command, Delcy Rodríguez would follow US instructions, and dismissed prominent critic and Nobel prize-winner María Corina Machado as a plausible replacement.
However, Ms Rodríguez, now the interim president, has so far sounded notes of defiance – and other elements of the leadership-stricken government are even more hardline.
From Global Policeman to International Outlaw
A man who was elected vowing to end foreign wars now says he is “willing to put soldiers into combat”. Renaming 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 converting it into a renegade nation.
He believes that the US’s might allows it to do as it wishes with minimal cost: observe the military actions against Nigeria and Iranian installations. He claims that control of Venezuela's petroleum means this most recent venture “won’t cost us a penny”.
A Move Devoid of International Legitimacy
George W. Bush initiated war in Iraq on a lie. But this unlawful assault came lacking any form of UN approval or authorization from lawmakers; Democrats were not even informed and say they were actively misled in briefings. Mr Trump doesn’t seek to bend international norms, but to obliterate them.
Set aside the signal this transmits to global powers like Russia and China, and ask where the US itself is heading. While the raid allegedly resulted in the deaths of 40 Venezuelans, including civilians, not a single US soldier was lost. Mr Trump’s growing sense of invincibility will likely encourage further adventurism.
The Stated Reason Versus the Real Aims
No one buys the pretext that this is concerning narcotics. Venezuela is only a minor conduit for cocaine; Mr Trump recently exonerated the ex-leader of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernández for drugs and weapons crimes. Mr Trump himself has stated plainly that he is propelled by the promise of energy wealth as well as personal bravado, the ideology of some in his administration, and the appetite for triumphalism as his standing with the American public falters.
Tepid International Response and Waning Global Governance
The international response, especially in Europe, has – with honourable exceptions – been shockingly muted. That’s not a result of Mr Maduro’s sins, but anxiety over Mr Trump’s wrath. The firm response from UN Secretary General António Guterres was notable, but this episode underscores the institution’s growing irrelevance.
Mr Trump’s voters who oppose foreign entanglements could yet press him to redirect his gaze inward – but rising medical costs, economic unhappiness and distracting files increase his appetite for distraction.
It has been less than 12 months into his four-year term. Other governments may live to repent if they fail to speak up today, considering the potential next target.
