There are moments in world history when silence becomes louder than bombs.
London is experiencing one of those moments now.
When the United States launched a military operation that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, the world waited. Not for explanations—but for condemnation. Yet from many Western capitals, what followed was not outrage, but hesitation. And according to the UK Parliament, that hesitation may cost the world far more than we realize.
Emily Thornberry, Chair of the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, delivered a warning that echoes far beyond Westminster. In her words, the absence of strong criticism toward the US intervention in Venezuela risks weakening international law itself—and opening the door for China and Russia to justify similar actions elsewhere.
This is not merely a political disagreement. It is a moral crossroads.
International law, much like trust, survives only because nations collectively agree to respect it. Once one powerful country bends the rules without consequence, others will follow. Slowly. Quietly. Inevitably.
For policymakers, analysts, journalists, and global observers, understanding this moment is essential. And for organizations navigating geopolitical risk, the implications are immediate.
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However, the Silence from the West Raises a Dangerous Question
In an interview with Times Radio, Thornberry did not mince her words.
“There is no legal basis for this,” she stated, referring to the US-led removal of Maduro and his transfer to American custody. More troubling, she added, is the precedent it sets.
If Washington can justify intervening within its perceived “sphere of influence,” what stops Beijing from doing the same in Taiwan? Or Moscow from escalating further in Ukraine?
This is how international norms erode—not with a collapse, but with quiet approval.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, when asked, described the situation as “complex” and insisted it was America’s responsibility to explain its actions. Yet complexity, Thornberry argues, is not an excuse for silence.
History shows that even verbal condemnation matters. Governments may claim they do not care about criticism, but in reality, they do. International pressure shapes behavior, constrains ambition, and draws red lines.
Without those red lines, power becomes policy.
For businesses, NGOs, and global institutions, this uncertainty translates into risk: regulatory instability, sanctions volatility, and diplomatic fragmentation.
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Moreover, International Law Survives Only Through Shared Belief
International law has no global police force. It has no standing army. Its strength lies in something far more fragile: collective belief.
Thornberry emphasized this reality clearly. When nations break the rules and face no consequences, the rules slowly lose meaning. Over time, what was once unacceptable becomes normal. Kidnapping a sitting head of state. Trying them in domestic courts. Occupying another nation “temporarily.”
This is how anarchy begins—not suddenly, but politely.
The United Nations Charter exists precisely to prevent such unilateral actions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has already reminded Washington of its obligations. Yet reminders mean little if allies refuse to amplify them.
And so, the question becomes uncomfortable:
Is loyalty to allies now stronger than loyalty to law?
For global decision-makers, this moment signals a turning point. The rules-based order that shaped post-World War II stability is being tested—not by open rebellion, but by selective enforcement.
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Meanwhile, the Lack of Post-Maduro Planning Deepens the Crisis
Beyond legality, Thornberry raised another critical concern: the absence of a clear plan for Venezuela after Maduro.
Removing a leader is easy. Governing the aftermath is not.
The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, announced it would temporarily take control of Venezuela, including deploying troops if necessary. Yet no transparent roadmap has been presented. No international mandate. No multilateral framework.
History has taught us what happens next: instability, power vacuums, and prolonged suffering for civilians.
Thornberry acknowledged the diplomatic pressure faced by the UK government, especially given its reliance on the US and its interests in Ukraine. But she drew a firm line.
“None of this matters if we do not stand for international law,” she said.
“You cannot simply abduct another country’s leader and call it justice.”
Those words resonate beyond politics. They speak to a deeper truth: without rules, even good intentions become dangerous.
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Finally, Why This Moment Demands Global Attention
Criticism within the UK has grown louder. Labour MP Richard Burgon openly accused Prime Minister Starmer of prioritizing political appeasement over international law. Maduro and his wife are now detained in New York, facing US federal charges—charges Maduro denies.
Caracas has demanded their release. The world watches. And the rules tremble.
This is not just a story about Venezuela. It is a warning about the future of global order.
When norms bend, they rarely snap back.
For readers, analysts, and institutions alike, the choice is clear: remain passive, or engage critically with the forces reshaping international law.
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Because in a world where power tests the limits of law, knowledge is no longer a luxury.
It is protection.