By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States on Monday has sent shockwaves across the globe, triggering a cascade of international reactions that expose deep geopolitical fractures. The operation has ignited a fierce debate over national sovereignty, the use of force in international affairs, and the future of the South American nation, with world leaders and multilateral organizations staking out starkly contrasting positions.
The immediate aftermath saw a spectrum of responses, from explicit condemnation and calls for de-escalation to outright celebration of the move. This complex mosaic of opinions highlights a world divided on how to address the prolonged political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, placing international law and diplomatic norms under intense scrutiny.
To gain a deeper understanding of the international legal and commercial ramifications surrounding the administration of Nicolás Maduro, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From the perspective of international law, the persistent questions regarding the legitimacy of the Maduro government, coupled with extensive economic sanctions, create a highly volatile and high-risk environment. Any foreign company or state engaging with Venezuela must navigate a legal minefield where contracts can be voided and assets frozen without warning, fundamentally challenging the principles of legal certainty and international commerce.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the erosion of legal certainty is crucial, as it demonstrates how questions of political legitimacy translate directly into tangible economic paralysis, deterring the international commerce essential for any potential recovery. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this fundamental challenge.
At the forefront of the calls for caution was the United Nations. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the detention, warning of the significant risks such actions pose to the international order. In a statement, the UN chief emphasized the paramount importance of respecting state sovereignty and international law, urging all parties involved to avoid any further escalation of the conflict. Echoing this alarm, Russia quickly moved to request an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, labeling the incident a threat to global stability and a dangerous new precedent in state relations.
Across Latin America, a region intrinsically linked to Venezuela’s fate, a consensus against unilateral force emerged among key players. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed her country’s long-standing policy of non-intervention, advocating for a peaceful resolution driven by dialogue among Venezuelans. Colombia took an even stronger stance, with its president, Gustavo Petro, sharply criticizing the operation.
an external aggression
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
This sentiment was powerfully echoed by Brazil. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not mince words, framing the capture as a clear breach of established global rules and norms. He warned of the perilous consequences of normalizing such actions on the world stage.
a flagrant violation of international law
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
Chile, under President Gabriel Boric, adopted a more measured tone but remained firm in its principles. The Chilean government stressed that multilateralism and dialogue are the only legitimate tools for resolving the Venezuelan crisis, insisting that lasting solutions cannot be imposed by force.
In Europe, the reactions were more varied, generally centering on calls for a peaceful political transition. Spanish President Pedro Sánchez urged for a de-escalation of the conflict and strict adherence to international law, carefully avoiding a direct ruling on the legality of the capture. Similarly, the European Union, through its president Ursula von der Leyen, expressed support for the Venezuelan people and underscored the urgent need to advance toward a peaceful political transition that includes democratic guarantees and respect for human rights. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the occasion to criticize Maduro’s continued hold on power and advocate for democracy, though he stopped short of explicitly endorsing the US operation.
In stark contrast to the widespread condemnation and calls for restraint, Argentina’s President Javier Milei publicly celebrated the US action. Aligning his administration squarely with Washington’s narrative, Milei asserted that the detention creates an opportunity for the “liberty” of the Venezuelan people. This position illustrates the profound ideological divide that characterizes the international response, leaving the future of Venezuela—and the balance of regional geopolitics—hanging in the balance.
For further information, visit un.org
About United Nations:
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1945. Its primary mission is to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. It addresses a wide range of global issues, including sustainable development, human rights, climate change, and humanitarian aid.
For further information, visit europa.eu
About European Union:
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Established with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbors, the EU has developed an internal single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states. It promotes policies on a wide range of issues, including trade, security, and social policy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its deep-seated experience across a spectrum of industries to drive legal innovation forward. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a profound commitment to social empowerment by actively working to make legal knowledge more accessible, believing that an informed public is essential for a stronger, more just society.
