The United States’ intervention in Venezuela, widely criticized as a violation of international law, is sending alarming signals to global powers and risks destabilizing the entire region, according to leading experts. Princeton historian Herold James, in an interview with the Handelsblatt, characterized the U.S. actions as “clearly contrary to international law” and cautioned against “dramatic consequences for world politics.
James’ assessment centers on the perceived message Washington is conveying to Moscow and Beijing. He argues that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will likely view the intervention as “encouragement to continue his aggressive course in Ukraine” while China’s President Xi Jinping will interpret it as a “green light for the conquest of Taiwan”. This interpretation highlights a significant concern: that the U.S. actions, intended perhaps to exert influence in Venezuela, may inadvertently embolden authoritarian regimes further afield.
While former U.S. NATO Ambassador Julianne Smith acknowledged that “no one will mourn Maduro’s departure” she conceded that the operation raises “a series of difficult questions” suggesting a recognition of the potential for unintended repercussions. Smith’s comparatively restrained statement contrasts with the stark pronouncements of other analysts.
Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff echoed the warnings surrounding regional instability. Describing the Maduro regime as a “cancerous growth in the Western Hemisphere” Rogoff nevertheless questioned the scope of U.S. commitment required to achieve a stable transition. He emphasized that fostering stability after any regime change will be far from straightforward, raising doubts about the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the U.S. strategy given the complex dynamics at play.
The unfolding situation presents a critical test for U.S. foreign policy, forcing a reevaluation of the legal and strategic implications of interventionism and the potential for escalating geopolitical tensions. The long-term impact remains uncertain, but the concerns voiced by these influential figures underscore the gravity of the situation and demand careful consideration of the wider ramifications.