Earlier this week (Jan 3, 2026), US forces in a surprise raid—codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve”—seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from Caracas and flew him to a federal detention center in Brooklyn. Yesterday (Jan 5), he appeared before a Manhattan magistrate, marking an unprecedented moment in modern geopolitics 🚨.
Why this matters:
- No UN Mandate: This was a unilateral action, bypassing the usual United Nations approval process. Think of it as skipping permissions in a major online tournament—only with way higher stakes. 🎮
- Sovereignty Challenged: By framing it as a law-enforcement move, the US signaled that an indictment can trump national self-rule. Imagine local courts having the power to arrest any world leader—total game-changer. 🌐
- Regional Pushback: Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has rejected US threats as “illegitimate,” and protests have erupted in Caracas and among diaspora communities. Latin America is on high alert.
- Global Repercussions: China’s Foreign Ministry voiced “grave concern,” while Russia and other powers are eyeing this as a precedent. Could similar tactics be used under other pretexts next? 🤔
By prioritizing a quick win in Caracas, Washington risks undermining its moral leadership in a rules-based world. If might truly makes right, we may see more tit-for-tat moves that blur the line between law and force—reshaping alliances and remaking international norms.
For tech-savvy Gen Z and millennials across South and Southeast Asia, this isn’t just another headline. It’s a real-time lesson on how power dynamics evolve—and why staying informed matters. What’s your take on this new global chapter? Drop a comment! 💬
Reference(s):
Might makes right? U.S. raid on Venezuela & the threat to global order
cgtn.com
