Donald Trump’s own description of US actions in Venezuela – that it will “run” the country, remaining until Washington decides a political transition has occurred, and installing US oil companies to control production – outlines conduct that is plainly illegal under international law and sets a dangerous precedent (Donald Trump warns of ‘big price to pay’ if Caracas fails to toe line, 4 January).
The UN charter prohibits the use or threat of force against another state, except in self-defence or with security council authorisation. Neither applies here. However illegitimate a government may be, regime change by invasion, occupation or foreign administration is unlawful. That rule exists precisely to prevent powerful states imposing political outcomes by force.
