Thu Jan 08 15:50:00 UTC 2026: ### U.S. Military Intervention in Venezuela Signals Shift Towards Unilateral Power Under Trump

The Story:

On January 3, 2026, a U.S. military operation in Venezuela resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. This action, executed without U.S. congressional approval or U.N. Security Council authorization, is the culmination of months of military buildup and targeted strikes in the Caribbean Sea. According to the article, it fulfills President Donald Trump’s asserted control over the Western Hemisphere as outlined in his administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy. This event is viewed by some national security experts as potentially violating domestic and international law, marking a shift from traditional American values to an assertion of unilateral power based on perceived economic interests and military might.

Key Points:

  • U.S. military operation in Venezuela and capture of President Nicolás Maduro occurred on January 3, 2026.
  • The operation was executed without U.S. congressional approval or U.N. Security Council authorization.
  • The action aligns with President Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy to assert control over the Western Hemisphere.
  • National security experts question the legality of the action under domestic and international law.
  • The U.S. interest in oil is a key rationale for the Venezuela attack
  • The Bureau of Conflict Stabilization Operations in the U.S. Department of State was dismantled in May 2025.
  • U.S. foreign assistance for democracy and human rights was cut by nearly 75% in 2025.
  • The Trump administration is undermining international law and retreating from international cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. military intervention in Venezuela represents a significant departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy norms.
  • The Trump administration prioritizes unilateral action and military strength over diplomatic solutions and international law.
  • Cuts to foreign aid and the dismantling of conflict resolution infrastructure indicate a decreased commitment to global democracy and human rights promotion.
  • The action may exacerbate global conflict and violence as other major powers adjust to the “new rules” of international relations.
  • The intervention could potentially undermine the rule of law and democratic principles within the U.S. itself.

Impact Analysis:

The U.S. military intervention in Venezuela could have far-reaching and long-term implications:

  • Erosion of International Law: The unilateral action undermines the established international norm against the use of force by one sovereign country against another.
  • Geopolitical Instability: The intervention could destabilize the region and embolden other nations to pursue unilateral actions, leading to increased global conflict.
  • Damage to U.S. Credibility: The U.S. risks losing its standing as an honest broker and reliable economic partner, undermining its ability to lead on the global stage.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The intervention could worsen the existing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, leading to increased displacement and suffering.
  • Domestic Political Polarization: The action could further polarize U.S. domestic politics, exacerbating divisions over foreign policy and the role of the United States in the world.

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