The United States’ raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sent a clear message to allies and adversaries alike. President Donald Trump is asserting a new world order of his own.
In a late-night operation, Maduro and his wife were taken from a guarded military base near Caracas and flown to a New York jail.
At a news conference, Trump said, “The future will be determined by the ability to protect commerce and territory and resources that are core to national security. These are the iron laws that have always determined global power, and we’re going to keep it that way.”
The strike came after US actions in Trump’s second term against Somalia, Nigeria, Syria, Iraq and Iran, as well as operations in international waters. Analysts say it represents a far more aggressive style of leadership, prioritising US interests above global norms.
Sun Chenghao, a fellow at Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy, called the toppling of Maduro “a stark lesson in power politics” and said it accelerates a broader reconfiguration of the global order.
Trump hinted at potential next targets, including Cuba and Greenland. “We do need Greenland, absolutely,” he said in an interview with The Atlantic.
He also issued a warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying, “he should watch his ass.”
Denmark’s prime minister quickly responded, saying the US has no right to annex its territory.
Access to resources appears central to Trump’s strategy. He said US companies would rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
“We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” he said.
Analysts noted Venezuela’s 30 million people, its 3,000 kilometres of coastline, and strategic ports as additional assets.
The military action seemed focused on short-term gains rather than long-term governance. Trump’s aides, including Vice President JD Vance, have indicated support for European opposition parties that they see as more favourable to US interests.
Bader Al-Saif, assistant professor at Kuwait University and associate fellow at Chatham House, said, “Events in Venezuela and the upcoming Board of Peace for Gaza plus the occasional inflammatory references to Greenland and Canada all point to wide-ranging implications for a global disorder.”
The strike drew mixed reactions worldwide. Leaders in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia condemned the move while Trump showed no signs of backing down.
Critics warn that the approach could embolden China in Taiwan or Russia in Ukraine.
Republican strategist Maura Gillespie noted that Americans were “confused” about the action and questioned its domestic relevance despite the president’s focus on global power.
This operation signals a clear shift from previous US foreign policy. Earlier administrations often sought international support and multilateral cooperation.
Trump acted alone in Venezuela, a strategy reminiscent of colonial-era approaches that combined local governance with American dominance through military and economic power.
Reuters
