Venezuela’s former bus driver turned de facto leader, Nicolas Maduro, has faced criticism for his rule, with many welcoming his removal. However, the method of his ousting by Donald Trump has raised concerns about disrupting global order. The US President’s actions in Venezuela, along with other expansionist endeavors like the interest in Greenland and the Panama Canal, have lacked international legitimacy and have been deemed illegal.
While some argue Maduro’s presidency following Hugo Chavez’s regime was illegitimate and Venezuela’s economy has deteriorated significantly, questions remain about the justification for foreign-led regime change solely based on lack of democratic legitimacy. The presence of oil resources in Venezuela, crucial for US companies like Chevron, played a significant role in the American intervention.
The operation was not solely about combating narcotics, as Trump’s administration had built up military pressure on Maduro, leading to a strategic move to facilitate regime change. The outcome, though still unfolding, appears to be a tactical success for Trump, causing setbacks for Venezuela’s traditional allies such as Russia, China, and Iran.
The situation has put the UK in a delicate position, as it has distanced itself from the Venezuela operation, raising concerns about its legality. While Maduro’s departure could benefit Venezuela domestically, the orchestrated manner of his removal has broader implications for global order. The US, seen as a revisionist power, is challenging established norms, raising uncertainties for its allies who historically relied on US leadership in defending liberal democracies and free trade.
