Editorial 1: ​​​Blatant foul

Context

Washington’s militarised approach to Venezuela violates international law.

Introduction

The U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker signals a renewed phase of hostile interventionism in Latin America. By targeting energy lifelines, economic partnerships, and sovereign trade, Washington risks escalating tensions beyond diplomacy. Such actions challenge the international rules-based order and revive memories of Cold War–era policies driven by regime-change ambitions.

Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tanker

• The U.S. seizure of the Venezuelan oil tanker Skipper on December 10 marks a sharp escalation in hostilities toward Venezuela
• Caracas condemned the action as “piracy, kidnapping, theft of private property and extrajudicial acts in international waters”
• The tanker was part of subsidised oil shipments to Cuba, a long-standing arrangement sustaining Havana’s economy

Venezuela–Cuba Economic Ties

• For decades, Venezuela supplied oil to Cuba at concessional rates
• In return, Cuba deployed doctors and security personnel to Venezuela
• Revenue from resale of oil to China has been a critical economic lifeline for Cuba

U.S. Policy Escalation and Political Motives

• The seizure reflects an intensifying U.S. strategy against the Maduro government
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a hardliner on Cuba, appears intent on cutting off Havana’s economic support systems
• These actions echo regime-change tactics reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine era in Latin America

Military Actions in Caribbean Waters

• Prior to the tanker seizure, the U.S. carried out strikes on boats in the Caribbean, alleging links to drug trafficking
• These operations resemble acts of war undertaken without clear legislative authorisation
• The justification of a “war on drugs” lacks credible evidence tying President Maduro to drug cartels

Acknowledging Venezuela’s Internal Failures

• The Maduro government faces serious allegations, including manipulation of the 2024 presidential elections
• It also bears responsibility for economic mismanagement and collapse
• However, these failures do not legitimise external aggression or unlawful actions

Violation of International Norms

• Economic sanctions, covert operations, recognition of Juan Guaidó, extrajudicial killings, and the tanker seizure collectively undermine the international rules-based order
• Such actions contradict the very principles of sovereignty and law that the U.S. claims to defend

Parallels with Cuba Policy

• The situation mirrors U.S. policy toward Cuba since the 1950s, marked by a prolonged trade embargo aimed at regime change
• This historical parallel highlights a pattern of interventionist foreign policy

Call for a Principled Global Response

• The international community must condemn these actions while continuing to critique the Venezuelan regime
• A consistent and universal defence of international law, applicable to all states including powerful ones, is essential
• Without such principles, the world risks sliding further into disorder and anarchy

Conclusion

Even as Venezuela’s democratic deficits and economic mismanagement demand scrutiny, they cannot legitimise extrajudicial force, unilateral sanctions, or maritime seizures. A credible global order rests on consistent application of international law, restraint by powerful states, and rejection of coercive foreign policy that deepens instability and anarchy.