The US is demonstrating that it is prepared to use direct force against leadership figures outside declared war zones, even when doing so risks destabilising entire regions. (Getty Images)
Explainers
N
News1806-01-2026, 11:33

Maduro's Capture: US Normalizes Force, Sparks Global Alarm Over Sovereignty

  • US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, marking a rare and risky escalation in American power projection, raising global alarm over sovereignty and international law.
  • This direct action signals a shift in US doctrine, blurring lines between law enforcement and military action, treating perceived adversaries as criminal threats to justify extraterritorial actions.
  • The move has sparked concerns among nations like Iran, Colombia, and Greenland, with Trump threatening military action against Colombia and reviving calls to annex Greenland.
  • For India, the incident raises concerns about energy security due to potential oil market volatility and presents a diplomatic dilemma regarding its stance on sovereignty and non-intervention.
  • China and Russia are closely observing the US's actions, potentially learning how to pursue their own coercive strategies, leading to a less predictable global power dynamic.

Why It Matters: Maduro's capture signals a new US doctrine of direct force, challenging global sovereignty and international law.

More like this

Loading more articles...