The prohibition on the use of force between nations represents one of the most fundamental principles of international law, explicitly violated by the United States military operation in Venezuela according to global leaders. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that Saturday’s strikes capturing President Nicolás Maduro breach this cornerstone of the post-World War II international order.
The principle, enshrined in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, prohibits member states from threatening or using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Exceptions exist only for self-defense or Security Council-authorized actions, neither of which applies to the Venezuelan operation.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has consistently emphasized the importance of this prohibition, warning through his spokesperson that the Venezuelan operation creates dangerous precedents. His concern reflects anxiety that eroding this fundamental principle could destabilize the entire framework of peaceful international relations.
China and Russia have both emphasized violations of this core principle in their condemnations, with Beijing characterizing the action as hegemonic behavior and Moscow demanding immediate release of captured leaders. European nations including Spain have similarly stressed that military operations violating this prohibition cannot lead to legitimate political solutions.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face drug trafficking charges in New York, though international critics maintain that criminal allegations do not justify military intervention. Latin American responses have divided along ideological lines, with Colombia mobilizing its armed forces in anticipation of refugee flows and progressive governments warning of dangerous precedents.