Key Takeaways

• The United States attacked a Caribbean boat on September 2, 2025, and then carried out a January 3, 2026, raid in Caracas.
• These actions conflict with international law that bans most uses of military force without UN approval or self-defense.
• Forcibly detaining a sitting head of state violates immunity rules under international law.
• Interfering with Venezuela’s government and resources breaches its political independence and sovereignty.
• These breaches could weaken global trust in U.S. treaty commitments and harm long-term world peace.

U.S. Actions in Venezuela Break International Law

Recently, the United States launched military strikes near Venezuela and raided Caracas to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Scholars, world leaders, and many nations say these steps violate international law. But what makes them illegal? Mary Ellen O’Connell, an expert in international law, explains why these U.S. moves break the rules and why that matters for everyone.

Why International Law Matters

International law sets rules that keep countries from attacking each other without cause. It also protects leaders from foreign courts and defends every nation’s control over its land and resources. When one powerful state ignores these rules, it risks chaos, mistrust, and more conflict.

How the U.S. Actions Violate International Law

Use of Force Rules

Under international law, warships, bombs, or drones can’t hit another country’s territory without UN approval or a real self-defense need. On September 2, 2025, the U.S. sank a small boat in the Caribbean. The boat reportedly carried drugs, but there was no UN mandate. Then on January 3, 2026, U.S. forces bombed parts of Caracas to help special forces detain Maduro. These missiles and raids exceeded what international law allows. No UN resolution authorized them. Venezuela posed no armed attack threat to the United States, so self-defense does not apply.

Head of State Immunity

International law says a serving president cannot face arrest or trial in foreign courts. This rule ensures that leaders can travel and negotiate without fear of kidnapping or charges. By raiding Maduro’s home and bringing him to the U.S., America ignored this immunity. Moreover, the U.S. has an extradition treaty with Venezuela. It should have used normal legal channels, not a military raid. This forced detention of Maduro and his wife breaks immunity rules under international law.

Sovereignty and Resource Control

International law protects each nation’s right to run its own affairs and use its resources. President Trump even said he would exploit Venezuela’s oil wealth. Such talk and action amount to intervention and imperial control. They breach Venezuela’s permanent sovereignty over its land and natural resources. These are core international law principles meant to guard people’s right to self-determination.

Why These Violations Matter

Undermines the Rule of Law

When the U.S. acts above international law, it sends a message that rules only bind weaker nations. This hypocrisy can erode the entire system that keeps global peace. Countries may start ignoring treaties or using force freely if powerful states violate international law.

Erodes Trust Among Nations

Allies and rivals alike watch the U.S. moves. If America ignores its United Nations obligations, partners may doubt U.S. security guarantees. Rivals could feel less pressured by UN rules. In both cases, global stability takes a hit.

Raises Security Risks

Without respect for international law, countries could resort to private military action or secret arrests. They might block travel by foreign leaders. Diplomacy would suffer. As a result, small conflicts could spiral into major wars.

Potential Global Fallout

In the worst case, other states will follow America’s lead and act without legal restraint. This “might makes right” approach can fuel arms races and raise the risk of full-scale wars. The U.N. charter exists to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Violating it undermines that goal.

Staying Within International Law

Use Force Only When Justified

Countries must seek UN Security Council approval or wait until after a real armed attack. This keeps military actions transparent and accountable. It also prevents abuse by powerful nations.

Respect Head of State Immunity

When a government wants to charge a foreign leader, it should use legal tools like extradition treaties. This approach upholds the rule of law and protects diplomacy.

Honor Sovereignty

Nations must not interfere in another country’s politics or steal its resources. This respect keeps global relations stable and fair.

FAQs

What counts as an unlawful use of force under international law?

Any military strike without UN Security Council approval or a valid self-defense claim is unlawful. That includes bombings in another country’s territory without clear permission.

Why does head of state immunity matter?

Immunity lets leaders travel and negotiate without fear of arrest. Removing that protection would disrupt diplomacy and increase global tensions.

Could Venezuela lawfully defend itself against U.S. strikes?

Yes. Since the U.S. attacks were unprovoked, Venezuela could claim self-defense under international law to repel them.

What happens when major powers ignore international law?

Ignoring these rules damages global trust, weakens the U.N., and raises the risk of conflicts. Other countries may follow suit, making the world less safe.