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14 January 2026

The Venezuela Precedent: Power, Law, and Global Order

In the 14 January 2026 episode of What Matters Today, Professor Nico Krisch considers what the recent US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro mean for international law, for global stability, and for the future credibility of multilateral institutions.

The recent US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro have sent shockwaves across the global stage. For many observers, the operation represents a clear breach of international law — raising fundamental questions about state sovereignty, the use of force, and the immunity traditionally granted to sitting heads of state. So what does this case mean for international law, for global stability, and for the future credibility of multilateral institutions? 

The Venezuela Precedent: Power, Law, and Global Order