🔗 Share this article Trump's Capture of Maduro: Turning a Global Superpower into a Lawless Actor Within the widespread uncertainty surrounding the US strikes on Venezuela, the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, and Donald Trump's announcement that the US will “control” the country and “reclaim the petroleum resources”, there is no doubt – these actions create a deeply alarming precedent. A Dark Legacy and an Unprecedented Move The United States carries a troubling legacy of meddling, military incursions, and control in the region, but the early hours of Saturday marked its premier large-scale offensive on South American land. “The preeminence of America in this region is now beyond dispute,” Mr Trump declared. The decision to unilaterally attack another state and abduct its leader – mere days after he publicly sought an off-ramp – carries even broader implications. We all have reason to be worried. Deep Instability for a Nation in Crisis Venezuelans have lived through a dictatorship marked by theft and failure under Mr Maduro, widely believed to have fraudulently won the most recent election. They now face extreme instability in the best case. Mr Trump has suggested that the vice president, Delcy Rodríguez would follow US instructions, and rejected prominent critic and Nobel prize-winner María Corina Machado as a credible successor. However, Ms Rodríguez, now the temporary head of state, has so far sounded notes of defiance – and other factions of the headless administration are far more intransigent. The Superpower as Rogue State A man who came to office promising to abandon foreign wars now says he is “unconcerned about deploying troops”. Rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War was a substantive signal. He no longer views the world’s superpower as a international peacekeeper; he is transforming it into a lawless actor. He believes that the United States' strength permits it to do as it wishes with little consequence: consider the military actions against Nigeria and Iranian installations. He promises that the oil resources of Venezuela means this most recent venture “won’t cost us a penny”. A Move Devoid of International Legitimacy George W. Bush invaded Iraq on a lie. But this action without legal basis came absent any United Nations mandate or congressional approval; the opposition party was kept in the dark and say they were deliberately deceived in briefings. Mr Trump doesn’t seek to bend international norms, but to shatter them. Put aside the message this sends to Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and others, and consider the destination for America itself. While the raid is said to have slain 40 Venezuelans, including civilians, no US personnel died. Mr Trump’s increasing belief in his impunity will surely embolden additional military gambits. Flimsy Justifications and Underlying Drivers No one buys the excuse that this is related to the drug trade. Venezuela is only a minor conduit for cocaine; Mr Trump recently granted clemency to the former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández for drugs and weapons crimes. Mr Trump himself has been explicit that he is propelled by the lure of oil as well as personal bravado, the worldview of key officials, and the quest for a legacy as his standing with the American public falters. World Leaders' Silence and a Weakened UN The international response, especially in Europe, has – with notable outliers – been surprisingly subdued. That’s not due to Mr Maduro’s sins, but fear of Mr Trump’s wrath. The firm response from UN Secretary General António Guterres was notable, but this episode underscores the UN's diminishing clout. Mr Trump’s anti-interventionist domestic base could yet press him to turn attention back home – but rising medical costs, public anxiety over the economy and ongoing controversies fuel his desire for external drama. We are not yet 12 months into his time in office. The international community may regret it if they fail to speak up today, with the question of which nation is next looming.