The 'Putinization' of US Foreign Policy: A Threat to Global Stability
The year 2026 began with a chilling realization that peace was a distant dream. In a matter of days, the world witnessed a series of events that sent shockwaves through international law and global norms.
The overnight strikes on Venezuela, including the abduction of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, were a stark reminder of the fragility of these norms. But this was not an isolated incident. Donald Trump, the US President, has been dismantling the delicate balance of international relations since his inauguration, and the situation in Venezuela is a testament to his aggressive approach.
In the months leading up to this, Trump's administration had already been sending ominous signals. Airstrikes on small boats in Central American waters, the killing of their crews on unsubstantiated drug trafficking allegations, and the armed seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers were all part of a pattern. These actions were not just about military prowess; they were a clear indication of Trump's desire to seize control of Venezuela's vast natural resources, particularly its oil reserves, the largest in the world.
The Maduro operation, as it was dubbed, was a dramatic display of Trump's belief in his global omnipotence. His fear of entanglement in foreign wars, which had previously constrained his actions, seems to be fading. The efficiency of the American soldiers and the success of the operation left Trump giddy with military triumph.
The attack on Venezuela, initially planned for Christmas Day, was a bold move. It suggested that the allure of foreign lands, oil, and minerals now outshone even the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Trump's administration, through carefully crafted legal language, portrayed Maduro's abduction as a pursuit of justice, despite the flimsy drug allegations.
Maduro, a dictator with a history of authoritarian rule since 2013, has faced criticism for rigged elections. However, the specific drug allegations against him are seen as weak by most experts, and they do not provide a convincing legal basis for the attack on Venezuela. Trump's statements have consistently revealed his primary interest in Venezuela's oil, not in bringing Maduro to justice or promoting democracy.
The operation in Venezuela bore a striking resemblance to the 1990 invasion of Panama by the first Bush administration, which led to the forced surrender of its strongman. This pattern of disregard for international laws and norms is not new. Previous US administrations had also claimed exceptions to international laws to pursue US interests, but they generally adhered to global norms, knowing the 'rules-based system' favored America.
Trump, however, has a complete disdain for this system. His actions in Venezuela and his statements about Iran and Greenland demonstrate a shift towards a world where armed might and the willingness to use it determine spheres of influence. This is a dangerous trend, one that a commentator, David Rothkopf, has dubbed the 'Putinization of US foreign policy'.
The implications of this shift are far-reaching. Russian commentators have suggested that Latin America is now under America's shadow, just as Ukraine was under Russia's. Vladimir Putin shares this view of Eastern Europe. Xi Jinping will undoubtedly draw his own conclusions. The peril made evident in the early days of 2026 is a threat that will ultimately affect everyone.
