The removal of Nicholas Maduro, the former bus driver turned effective dictator of Venezuela, may be welcomed by many. However, the manner in which Donald Trump orchestrated his ousting has raised concerns about international order once again. This move, along with other recent actions by the US President, highlights a pattern of expansionism. While some may argue that Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in governing Venezuela, lacked legitimacy due to the country’s economic struggles, the American intervention in Venezuela lacks clear international approval and is deemed illegal.
Despite Maduro’s questionable democratic legitimacy, as evidenced by the opposition’s victory in the 2024 presidential contest, many believe that this alone does not justify regime change. The presence of oil interests in Venezuela, particularly involving the US oil giant Chevron, likely played a significant role in the decision to intervene. Trump’s deployment of military forces in the region further escalated tensions and ultimately led to the intervention in Venezuela.
The operation in Venezuela was not solely focused on combating narcotics, but rather on achieving a tactical victory that would benefit Trump politically. While it may appear to be a strategic win for the US, traditional allies of Venezuela such as Russia, China, and Iran have suffered a setback. The UK, distancing itself from the intervention, finds itself in a challenging position regarding the operation’s legality and implications for world order.
Maduro’s removal, while potentially positive for Venezuela, raises concerns about the methods used to engineer his exit and the implications for global stability. The US’s assertive actions reflect a departure from its traditional role as a leader of free trading liberal democracies, causing unease among its allies who rely on American leadership.