2026 US Venezuela Intervention: The Dawn of the 'Donroe Doctrine'

The rule of law has surrendered to imperial management. The 2026 US Venezuela intervention that began on January 3 isn't just an unlawful use of force; it's a pivot toward nihilistic geopolitics. This move marks the collapse of confidence in the United Nations system's ability to restrain aggression or uphold the very legal norms its leaders claim to defend.

Legal Fallout of the 2026 US Venezuela Intervention

From the perspective of international law, the attack constitutes a flagrant violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. The capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife by US Special Forces to face charges in a federal court openly disregards sovereign immunity. President Donald Trump emphasized this imperial posture, bluntly stating, "We are in charge," when questioned about the country's governance.

The Surprise Installation of Delcy Rodriguez

Despite Maria Corina Machado winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize and advocating for US intervention, she was bypassed. Instead, Delcy Rodriguez was installed as president. Washington claims Rodriguez will cooperate better with US oil interests. Experts suggest this continuity of leadership was chosen to ensure stability for resource extraction rather than risk the limited domestic support Machado commanded.

Resource Extraction and the Donroe Doctrine

This operation aligns with the November 2025 National Security Strategy, which prioritizes "pre-eminence" through any means. The revival of the Monroe Doctrine, dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine," shifts focus from global state-building to regional resource control. While Chevron and Exxon Mobil stand to benefit, executives remain cautious about resuming operations amidst the post-takeover instability.