Nicholas Maduro, the former bus driver who ascended to power as Venezuela’s de facto ruler, is facing widespread approval for his departure.
However, the method of his removal orchestrated by Donald Trump has once again disrupted global order. Beyond the actions taken against Venezuela, this incident exemplifies the expansionist agenda of the US President. The ambitions to acquire Greenland and regain control of the Panama Canal, coupled with the evident commitment to instigating regime change in Venezuela, showcase a lack of clear international sanction for the US interventions. Legally speaking, the United States’ actions in Venezuela are deemed unauthorized.
While some argue that Maduro, who succeeded the dictatorial reign of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela’s left-wing government, lacked legitimacy, the country’s descent into economic turmoil is undeniable. Once a prosperous and vibrant nation often compared to Switzerland in South America, Venezuela now grapples with severe economic challenges. Many agree that Maduro’s rule lacked democratic legitimacy, especially considering the opposition’s perceived victory in the 2024 presidential election. Nevertheless, the global community generally does not view electoral disputes as sufficient grounds for forced regime changes, raising concerns about the selective nature of such interventions.
The role of oil in Venezuela’s affairs cannot be overlooked. The United States’ strategic interests in protecting Chevron, a major American oil company with substantial operations in Venezuela, have influenced its stance towards the country. With mounting military pressure on Maduro over recent months, the US found itself compelled to take decisive action, despite the questionable legality of its intervention.
Contrary to speculations about narcotics being the primary motive, Trump’s deployment of a significant task force in the Caribbean was driven by a broader agenda. The outcome of Maduro’s removal appears meticulously orchestrated, presenting a strategic triumph for the US President while signaling a setback for Venezuela’s traditional allies such as Russia, China, and Iran.
The aftermath of Maduro’s exit places Britain in a delicate position, distancing itself from the military action in Venezuela. PM Keir Starmer and European leaders are apprehensive about the perceived legal ambiguities surrounding the intervention. While Maduro’s departure may offer some hope for Venezuela, the manner in which it was engineered raises concerns about the impact on global order. The United States’ evolving role as a revisionist power challenging the existing world order poses dilemmas for its allies, who historically relied on US leadership in safeguarding liberal democracies and free trade.
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