đź”— Share this article The US Seizure of Maduro: How Trump Has Transformed the World's Superpower into a Rogue State Against the backdrop of the immense confusion regarding the US strikes on Venezuela, the seizure of leader Nicolás Maduro, and Donald Trump's announcement that the US will “control” the country and “seize control of the oil”, a single fact remains evident – this establishes a deeply alarming precedent. Past Interference and a New Threshold Crossed The United States possesses a dark record of meddling, military incursions, and control in Latin America, but the recent overnight operation marked its premier large-scale offensive on the soil of a South American nation. “The preeminence of America in this region is now beyond dispute,” Mr Trump declared. The decision to unilaterally attack another state and capture its head of state – mere days after he publicly sought an off-ramp – possesses far-reaching consequences. This ought to concern everyone. Profound Uncertainty for Venezuela Venezuelans have endured a repressive, kleptocratic and incompetent regime under Mr Maduro, largely considered to have rigged the previous presidential vote. They now face profound uncertainty at best. Mr Trump has indicated that the vice president, Delcy RodrĂguez would comply with American demands, and rejected conservative dissident leader and Nobel prize-winner MarĂa Corina Machado as a viable alternative. However, Ms RodrĂguez, now the interim president, has so far struck a defiant tone – and other factions of the leadership-stricken government are considerably more radical. A Shift in Global Role A man who won power promising to abandon foreign wars now says he is “willing to put soldiers into combat”. Rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War was more than posturing. He fails to perceive the world’s superpower as a global policeman; he is transforming it into a lawless actor. He holds the view that the United States' strength permits it to do as it wishes with scant penalty: observe the strikes on Nigeria, on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He promises that control of Venezuela's petroleum means this most recent venture “won’t cost us a penny”. An Attack Without Legal Justification George W. Bush initiated war in Iraq on a lie. But this illegal attack came absent any United Nations mandate or congressional approval; Democrats were not even informed and say they were deliberately deceived in briefings. Mr Trump is not trying to twist international norms, but to shatter them. Disregard the message this sends to global powers like Russia and China, and question the future path of the United States. While the raid allegedly resulted in the deaths of 40 Venezuelans, including civilians, there were no American fatalities. Mr Trump’s escalating feeling of being untouchable will surely embolden further adventurism. Flimsy Justifications and Underlying Drivers Few believe the justification that this is about drugs. Venezuela is only a minor conduit for cocaine; Mr Trump recently pardoned the former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández for related criminal convictions. Mr Trump himself made it clear that he is driven by the allure of petroleum resources as well as personal bravado, the beliefs held by certain advisors, and the desire for glory as his support at home declines. A Muted Global Reaction and Institutional Irrelevance The global reaction, especially in Europe, has – with honourable exceptions – been shockingly muted. That’s not a result of Mr Maduro’s sins, but anxiety over Mr Trump’s wrath. The firm response from UN Secretary General AntĂłnio Guterres was notable, but this episode highlights the UN's diminishing clout. Mr Trump’s anti-interventionist domestic base could still pressure him to turn attention back home – but soaring healthcare premiums, financial discontent and distracting files fuel his desire for external drama. Barely 12 months into his four-year term. Other governments may live to repent if they stay silent now, considering the potential next target.