95bFM International implications of the United States’ attacks on Venezuela
14 January, 2026
Interview by Alex Fox, adapted by Lois Gonzales
The University of Otago’s Robert Patman says that the United States’ intervention in Venezuela “could lead to severe blowback problems for the United States, both in Venezuela, but also internationally”.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were recently abducted by the United States. Maduro has been arraigned in New York City and is facing charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.
The United States government and President Donald Trump’s intervention in Venezuela reveal their growing influence in South America. Trump’s recent threats against Greenland, Canada, and Colombia further show the United States’ significant yet volatile power in the wider international sphere.
Professor Robert Patman, a senior lecturer in Political Science at the University of Otago, told 95bFM’s The Wire that Trump has “shown little respect for the rules-based international order”.
"Unilaterally removing Maduro's power means that the US has violated its own laws as federal laws, as well as international law in the case of Venezuela. There was no threat to the national security of the United States.”
Despite Maduro’s drug-related charges, there is ongoing discourse over Venezuela’s large oil reserves as the underlying cause for the United States’ attack and Maduro’s abduction. Patman says that Venezuela's drug exports to the United States are relatively insignificant.
“I'm not sure that Venezuela's relatively low-level involvement in the drug market would justify overthrowing and detaining a head of state of another country.”
Patman adds that the United States “has effectively taken over control of Venezuela's oil industry,” which is also affecting neighbouring countries like Cuba and Colombia, which import oil from the country.
“The action that he’s taken in Venezuela confirms that he’s serious about his vision of international relations.” He adds that “Trump has no time for international institutions or multilateralism”.
Patman shares that Trump’s vision for the world is outlined in the 2025 National Security Strategy with the United States at the head of the table alongside Russia, China, India, and Japan.
“There'll be little room at that table for the likes of New Zealand, or indeed, Canada, Australia, or middle powers, or indeed, most European countries. So this is a radically different approach.”
Patman stresses that Trump’s vision of international relations does not fit with the 21st century, where most countries are guarding their sovereignty and national interests.
“He's now advocating a sort of back to the future perspective of international relations, which in many respects parallels the 19th century concert of great powers that effectively presided over European security in the 19th century.”
