Key Takeaways:
- The US intervention in Venezuela highlights the need for New Zealand to rethink its stance towards the United States
- The Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela are a clear violation of international law and set a grave precedent for future interventions
- New Zealand’s current foreign policy approach of prioritizing closer alignment with the US may need to be reevaluated in light of the US’s disregard for international law and institutions
- The country faces a moment of reckoning in its foreign policy, where it must choose between supporting a rules-based approach to international affairs or continuing to prioritize its relationship with the US
- The US’s actions in Venezuela may have far-reaching consequences, including encouraging similar interventions by other powers and undermining the international rules-based system
Introduction to the Crisis in Venezuela
The recent US intervention in Venezuela, led by President Donald Trump, has significant implications for New Zealand’s foreign policy. The National-led coalition government has been reorienting its foreign policy towards Washington since taking office, but the US military operation to capture President Nicolás Maduro has exposed the limitations of this strategy. The intervention, which has been foreshadowed by a military buildup and series of deadly US attacks on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, has raised concerns about the US’s commitment to international law and institutions.
A New Monroe Doctrine
The US intervention in Venezuela is largely consistent with the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy, which aims to reestablish US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. This approach is reminiscent of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine, which divided the world into spheres of influence overseen by great powers. However, the intervention in Venezuela sets a grave precedent in the context of contemporary international law and security, as it unilaterally removes Maduro from power and violates US federal and international law. The US Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, but there is little evidence that Trump briefed members of Congress about regime change in Venezuela.
Consequences of US Intervention
The US intervention in Venezuela may create more problems than it solves, particularly if there is resistance to US efforts to govern the country. While many Venezuelans may be elated by the departure of a dictator, this could quickly turn to anger if and when the Trump administration’s intention to "run" the country on its own terms becomes apparent. Furthermore, Trump’s application of the "might is right" approach to Venezuela may encourage similar actions elsewhere, including potentially in Ukraine and Taiwan. This could have far-reaching consequences for international relations and global security, and New Zealand cannot afford to be indifferent to these developments.
New Zealand’s Response
New Zealand’s initial response to the US intervention in Venezuela was to express concern and call for all parties to act in accordance with international law. However, this response may be seen as insufficient, given the gravity of the situation and the need for a more robust stance. New Zealand has traditionally supported a rules-based system of international relations, embodied in norms of multilateralism and institutions such as the United Nations. However, the Trump administration has consistently demonstrated a disregard for this worldview, and New Zealand may need to reevaluate its approach to foreign policy in light of this.
A Moment of Reckoning
New Zealand faces a moment of reckoning in its foreign policy, where it must choose between prioritizing closer alignment with the US or standing up for a more inclusive, rules-based approach to international affairs. The country has followed other liberal democracies in adopting a low-key, accommodating approach towards Washington’s "America First" agenda, but this approach has failed to moderate the policies of the Trump administration. New Zealand has pulled its punches on key international issues, including refraining from publicly expressing solidarity with allies faced with territorial threats and refusing to recognize a Palestinian state. However, it is clear that this approach is no longer tenable, and New Zealand must decide where it stands on the US’s actions in Venezuela and its broader approach to international relations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US intervention in Venezuela highlights the need for New Zealand to rethink its stance towards the United States and its approach to foreign policy. The Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela are a clear violation of international law and set a grave precedent for future interventions. New Zealand faces a moment of reckoning, where it must choose between supporting a rules-based approach to international affairs or continuing to prioritize its relationship with the US. The country must carefully consider the implications of its choices and decide where it stands on the US’s actions in Venezuela and its broader approach to international relations. Ultimately, New Zealand must prioritize a more inclusive, rules-based approach to international affairs, where all states matter, including middle and small powers.