'Hegemonic power grabs…': Jeffrey Sachs blasts US over Maduro capture at emergency UNSC meet

Key Concepts

• Regime Change: The act of removing a foreign government from power, often through covert or overt actions.
• UN Charter (Article 2, Section 4): Prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
• Coercive Measures: Economic sanctions, naval quarantines, and other non-military actions used to pressure a government.
• International Anarchy: The absence of a global governing authority, leading to a “tragedy of great power politics” (Mearsheimer).
• Sovereign Assets: Assets owned by a state, such as funds held in foreign banks.
• False Flag Operation: A covert operation designed to deceive in such a way that the operation appears to have been carried out by entities other than those who actually planned and executed it.
• Pedesa: The state oil company of Venezuela.

The Illegality of Intervention in Venezuela: A Plea to the UN Security Council

This address to the UN Security Council centers on the argument that any member state – specifically the United States – lacks the legal or moral authority to unilaterally determine Venezuela’s political future through force, coercion, or economic pressure. The core contention is that such actions violate fundamental principles of international law, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

Historical Pattern of US Regime Change Operations

The speaker, and Mr. Jeffrey Saxs following, establishes a historical pattern of US interventionism, citing numerous instances of attempted or successful regime change operations since 1947. Lindseay Oor’s research, detailed in her book Covert Regime Change, documents 70 such operations between 1947 and 1989. This pattern has continued post-Cold War, with specific examples highlighted:

• Iraq (2003): Regime change operation without Security Council authorization.
• Libya (2011): Regime change operation without Security Council authorization.
• Syria (2011-present): Ongoing intervention without Security Council authorization.
• Honduras (2009): US involvement in a coup.
• Ukraine (2014): US involvement in political upheaval.
• Venezuela (2002-present): A sustained effort spanning over two decades.

Methods of Intervention & Impact on Venezuela

The speaker details a range of methods employed in these operations, including:

• Open Warfare: Direct military engagement.
• Covert Intelligence Operations: Secret actions to destabilize governments.
• Instigation of Unrest: Encouraging and supporting protests and riots.
• Support for Armed Groups: Providing resources to opposition forces.
• Manipulation of Media: Utilizing mass and social media for propaganda.
• Bribery: Corrupting officials.
• Assassinations: Targeted killings of key figures.
• False Flag Operations: Deceptive operations to blame others.
• Economic Warfare: Utilizing sanctions and financial pressure.

Specifically regarding Venezuela, the following actions were cited:

• April 2002: US knowledge and approval of an attempted coup.
• 2010s: Funding of civil society groups involved in anti-government protests.
• 2015: President Obama’s declaration of Venezuela as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to US national security.
• 2017: President Trump’s discussion of a potential US invasion.
• 2017-2020: Imposition of sweeping sanctions on Petesa, leading to a 75% decline in oil production and a 62% decrease in real GDP per capita.
• January 23, 2019: Unilateral US recognition of Juan Guaidó as interim president and freezing of approximately $7 billion in Venezuelan sovereign assets.

Legal and Ethical Arguments

The core argument rests on Article 2, Section 4 of the UN Charter, which explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force against the sovereignty of other nations. The speaker argues that the US actions in Venezuela constitute a clear violation of this principle. He emphasizes that only the UN Security Council has the authority to impose coercive measures. The UN General Assembly has repeatedly voted against unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela.

The speaker draws upon the realist school of international relations, referencing John Mearsheimer’s concept of the “tragedy of great power politics” to illustrate the inherent dangers of international anarchy. However, he stresses that realism is a description of the world, not a solution. He positions the UN as humanity’s second attempt – following the League of Nations – to overcome this anarchy through international law. He warns that failure to uphold the UN Charter in the nuclear age could lead to global catastrophe, stating, “Given that we are in the nuclear age, failure cannot be repeated. Humanity would perish. There would be no third chance.”

Recent US Military Actions & Threats

The speaker highlights the recent escalation of US military activity, noting bombing operations in seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela) without Security Council authorization or lawful self-defense justification. He also points to President Trump’s direct threats against six UN member states (Colombia, Denmark, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Venezuela) in the past month.

Proposed Actions & Conclusion

Mr. Saxs proposes the following actions for the Security Council:

1. The US must cease all threats or use of force against Venezuela.
2. The US must terminate its naval quarantine and coercive military measures.
3. The US must withdraw its military forces from and around Venezuela.
4. Venezuela must adhere to the UN Charter and human rights.
5. The Secretary-General should appoint a special envoy to engage with stakeholders and report back within 14 days.
6. All member states should refrain from unilateral coercive actions.

The address concludes with a stark warning: the future of peace and humanity hinges on whether the UN Charter is upheld as a “living instrument of international law” or allowed to become “irrelevant.” The choice, he asserts, rests with the Security Council.