Nicholas Maduro, the former bus driver who ascended to power as Venezuela’s de facto leader, is now facing widespread relief at his removal.
However, the manner in which Donald Trump orchestrated Maduro’s ousting has raised concerns about global order once again. The actions taken against Venezuela are seen as part of a pattern of expansionism by the US President. Trump’s ambitions extend to acquiring Greenland and reclaiming control of the Panama Canal, underscoring his commitment to effecting change on a global scale. The legitimacy of the US intervention in Venezuela is widely questioned, with critics asserting that the US has acted unlawfully.
While some argue that Maduro, who succeeded the increasingly authoritarian Hugo Chavez, lacked legitimacy, Venezuela’s economic decline from a once prosperous nation to an economic crisis is evident. The country, previously known for its beauty and vibrancy, has now deteriorated into a state of turmoil. Despite Maduro’s questionable democratic standing, his removal through external intervention raises broader concerns about the precedence it sets for regime changes globally. The US interest in Venezuela’s oil reserves, particularly to safeguard the operations of Chevron, a major American oil company in the region, played a significant role in the decision to intervene.
The intervention in Venezuela was not solely motivated by concerns over narcotics but was also influenced by strategic military considerations. Trump’s deployment of significant military resources in the Caribbean necessitated a tangible outcome, leading to Maduro’s removal. While the exact details of the operation are still emerging, the outcome appears to be a tactical victory for Trump and a setback for Venezuela’s traditional allies like Russia, China, and Iran.
The situation has put Britain in a delicate position, as it has distanced itself from the intervention in Venezuela. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European leaders are likely to express concerns about the legality of the intervention. While Maduro’s departure may benefit Venezuela internally, the manner in which it was orchestrated raises broader questions about the impact on global order. The US, acting as a revisionist power, is reshaping the world order, but its actions are viewed by some as akin to those of a rogue state, challenging the expectations of its allies and their reliance on US leadership in defending liberal democracies and free trade.
