Donald Trump has shocked international observers with a decisive military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the removal of President Nicolas Maduro. Trump, who followed the raid from his Mar-a-Lago estate, expressed admiration for the operation on Fox News, calling it “amazing work.” The swift action has positioned the US to control Venezuelan oil resources, marking a stark shift in US foreign policy.

The operation's success without American casualties contrasts sharply with past US interventions like the 2003 Iraq occupation. Trump has introduced the "Donroe Doctrine," asserting US dominance in the western hemisphere, reminiscent of the historic Monroe Doctrine. This move has raised concerns about rising US assertiveness under Trump, with countries like Colombia and Greenland being mentioned as potentially next in line for such attention.

Experts warn of significant geopolitical implications. Trump's unilateral approach bypasses the legitimacy of international laws that many previous presidents have sought. His actions signal a return to power politics by emphasising force and dominance over diplomatic alliances. People perceive this shift as a departure from post-World War II strategies that emphasised alliances and collaborative international frameworks.

Looking forward, Trump's aggressive foreign policy could strain US relations with global allies, especially if he pursues territorial ambitions, such as his interest in Greenland. Observers caution that this approach might dismantle existing alliances, echoing concerns from Trump advisor Stephen Miller on a return to a world governed by raw power. Such dynamics raise questions about the future of US global leadership, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s raid in Venezuela showcases a bold, unilateral US foreign policy.

• The "Donroe Doctrine" revives assertive hemispheric dominance.

• Potential risks include strained alliances and geopolitical instability.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-09

 

 

If it's the same global concern that was shown to Putin going into Ukraine then Trump's got a good four more years to go