At the beginning of 2026, the international order was severely disrupted by hegemonic actions. The US launched military strikes against Venezuela and sent forces to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
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On January 5, the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Representatives from many countries condemned the US actions and emphasized the need to uphold international law including the UN Charter.
By unilaterally interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs, the US exposed the power politics driving its approach to international relations, particularly in Latin America.
Such conduct undermines the rule of law in international relations and poses a serious threat to regional peace and security.
According to the UN Charter, the relationships among UN members must be based on respect for the principle of sovereign equality. Furthermore, all members are required to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state – or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.
These principles form the foundation of modern international relations. Yet the US has ignored international law and the fundamental norms governing these relations, challenging justice with brute force and undermining fairness for private gain, while dragging the law of the jungle into 21st-century global affairs.
The US has even openly declared its intention to control Venezuela and allow major US oil companies to enter the country. This blunt declaration of exploitation has removed its last veil of disguise.
France's Le Monde observed that the strikes on Venezuela marked the return of US predatory imperialism. Britain's The Guardian noted that Washington's actions resembled the Iraq War and followed its longstanding pattern of seizing other countries' resources.
From Afghanistan and Iraq to Libya and Syria, and now Venezuela, whenever a country or region becomes a US foreign policy priority, conflict and disaster often follow.
Hegemonic powers depart at will, leaving prolonged instability while their domestic interests profit.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric remarked that today it's Venezuela, but tomorrow it could be any country – reflecting widespread concern within the international community.
The hegemonic conduct of the US is a primary source of global instability. A genuine international order must be built on principles of equality and mutual respect.
When the law of the jungle replaces international rules, the interests of every member of the international community are jeopardized.
A world where brute power overrides justice inevitably becomes one of perpetual unrest and insecurity.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that US actions against Venezuela have set a dangerous precedent.
Contemporary global dynamics no longer permit unilateral hegemony.
The course of history, the awakening of peoples and evolving geopolitical realities demonstrate that unilateralism, self-centeredness and reckless hegemonic behavior run counter to the will of humanity.
From Venezuela to Latin America to the broader international community – including voices within the US – widespread condemnation of hegemonic actions has erupted.
The governments of Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement expressing deep concern and rejection, noting that unilateral military actions against the country constitute an extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security, violating international law and the basic principles of the UN Charter.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the US military action violates the principle of non-use of force upon which international law is founded.
The European Union emphasized that international law and the principles of the UN Charter must be respected under all circumstances.
No country possesses the authority to act as the world's policeman or as a self-appointed arbiter of international law.
Venezuela is a sovereign country whose rights must remain inviolable and whose people deserve protection from externally imposed turmoil.
The US must heed the international community’s call for justice: immediately release President Maduro and his wife, cease attempts to overthrow Venezuela's government and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.
Permitting hegemonic expansion to proceed unchallenged erodes the foundations of global stability.
All countries rejecting the law of the jungle must steadfastly uphold international law and UN Charter principles, taking unequivocal stands against unilateral aggression.
This constitutes not merely a defense of global justice but an investment in the future of world peace.