In the long history of direct and indirect US interventions in Latin America – historians have counted at least 70 – the current president Donald Trump has accomplished something unprecedented. For the first time, the United States launched a military attack against a South American state, Venezuela.
A Shift in US Intervention
Historically, US interventions in Latin America have primarily focused on its immediate neighbors: Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The most recent instance occurred in Panama in 1989, involving the abduction of ruling General Manuel Noriega. Earlier in the 19th century, US troops were occasionally deployed to more distant countries, typically to safeguard US citizens.
On January 3, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were reportedly abducted. Jorge Heine, former Chilean minister and diplomat, stated that “a threshold has been crossed, and the consequences are unpredictable.” He shared this assessment in Responsible Statecraft, a publication of the Quincy Institute, a Washington-based think tank.
Justification and Historical Parallels
The official justification provided for the operation centers on claims that Venezuela was exporting large quantities of fentanyl to the US. Heine drew a parallel between this justification and the “non-existent weapons of mass destruction” cited prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The abduction of Maduro and Flores could lead to a number of scenarios. It is possible that this action could destabilize the region further, potentially leading to increased political unrest within Venezuela. Alternatively, it could prompt international condemnation and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. A prolonged power vacuum in Venezuela is also a possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most recent US military intervention before this?
The most recent US military intervention prior to the January 3rd action was in Panama in 1989, marked by the abduction of ruling General Manuel Noriega.
What was the stated reason for the operation against Venezuela?
The official justification for the operation was that Venezuela was exporting large quantities of fentanyl to the US.
Who is Jorge Heine?
Jorge Heine is a former Chilean minister and diplomat who shared his assessment of the situation in Responsible Statecraft, a publication of the Quincy Institute.
How might this action reshape the relationship between the United States and Latin America in the years to come?
