The Special Military Operation of Venezuela

EU leaders have 'closely monitored' the 'developments' in Venezuela as of late, expressing their worry for the international order, but failed short of anything else save for a few exceptions. While we certainly should not support Nicolas Maduro's corrupt and repressive quasi-dictatorship, this kind of unilateral action that defies what was left of the international order must also be openly rejected: for its form, its motives, and if nothing else, for the additional dangerous precedent it settles, legitimising open anarchy in the international order.

US President Donald Trump abducted Venezuela's long-time President and his wife and launched  a series of attacks on civilians and military targets without war declaration, or even congressional approval, on the charges of Narcoterrorism. Mr. Trump seems to have started his own special military operation. While this is nothing entirely new, the rationale expressed openly does set it apart. The main reasons behind have been stated loud and clear: geopolitical control of the western hemisphere, and oil production (there were some footnotes on human rights and democracy, should the wind be favourable). As long as those two work, Trump might even keep the Chavist military in power and its people as oppressed as before, ignoring the opposition forces within Venezuela and in exile.

First of all, it presents a departure from previous pretensions of legitimacy for international action. As fickle as justifications used to be, notifying the oil companies before congress and openly talking about oil production is direct approach that bodes bad for everyone involved in the business of trying to upheld an international order of rules and respect for the rule of law. 

Secondly, this points out at a recognition of a world of spheres of influence in which the strongest can do as they please. By mimicking Putin's logic in Ukraine, we might confirm what peace deal Trump has in mind, and why Russia's foreign minister Lavrov says that the EU is the biggest obstacle to peace (at least, in his definition of peace). It implicitly recognises war and imperialism as legitimate political tools ripe for the taking, to whichever state is powerful enough to do so.

Furthermore, this action proves yet again that the ostrich approach of many in the EU, hoping for 'the storm to pass' is foolish and dangerous. Trump is determined to accomplish his promises, at least the bad ones. The new national security strategy and the US government words point now at Greenland and puts the EU in a very complicated position. If it comes to pass, which seems likelier every day, it might also leave NATO out of shape completely, which further complicates the position of Europe vis a vis Russia.

We therefore condemn and reject Trump's unilateral and likely illegal actions, which undermine whatever was left of the international order, and justifies Russia and China's regional imperial ambitions. We particularly reject turning Venezuela into a US colony for oil extraction. We condemn as well the imperial claims over Greenland and recognise its people as the sole owners of its destiny and sovereignty.

We call for the rest of the international community to stand behind the only principles that can prevent a free-for-all chaos of conflict and war: defending the UN Charter and international law. Otherwise, money and resources will be wasted away, and people will inevitably suffer and die in increasing numbers, inching closer to a misstep that might bring about nuclear annihilation.