With the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump has demonstrated more powerfully than ever his belief in the power of his will, backed by raw US military force. On his orders, the US has Maduro behind bars and now will 'run' Venezuela.
The US president made the announcement in a remarkable news conference with enormous implications for US foreign policy worldwide at his Florida club and residence, Mar-a-Lago. Trump said the US would be in charge in Venezuela 'until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he said, had spoken to the Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, who had told him 'we'll do whatever you need... She, I think, was quite gracious, but she really doesn't have a choice'.
Trump was light on detail, stating 'we're not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to have [them]'. But does he believe that he can govern Venezuela by remote control? Evidence suggests it will not be easy or smooth.
The respected think tank, the International Crisis Group, warned in October that the fall of Maduro could lead to violence and instability in Venezuela. The same month, The New York Times reported that defense and diplomatic officials in the Trump administration had war-gamed potential outcomes following Maduro's ousting, concluding that violent chaos might be likely as armed factions vie for control.
This military operation represents a remarkable assertion of American military power, achieved without loss of American life. However, this success is the first stage; America's record of achieving regime change through military intervention over the past 30 years is fraught with disastrous outcomes.
Historically, Iraq and Afghanistan exemplify failed nation-building efforts post-invasion, leading many to question the wisdom of force-backed regime changes.
Trump proposed a 'Donroe Doctrine', which asserts American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, heightening fears about US intentions towards other regional powers, such as Colombia and Cuba.
Trump's focus on Venezuela’s mineral wealth raises concerns that economic exploitation will accompany military interventions, mirroring intentions he displayed with Ukraine's assets.
Now, with Venezuela's operations in place, analysts worry that Trump's actions may send signals to authoritarian leaders globally—emboldening regimes like China's regarding Taiwan and Russia concerning Ukraine.
Senator Mark Warner articulated these concerns, underscoring the potential for global chaos if nations assert unilateral military power in this manner.
Trump’s disregard for international norms not only undermines principles of sovereignty but may also lead to increased volatility in global political landscapes. As Bowen concludes, the coming months are likely to be tumultuous as nations navigate the new reality of Trump's belligerent foreign policy.
