Georgian analyst: US action in Venezuela shows global power divide

Georgian conflict analyst Paata Zakareishvili has said that recent developments in Venezuela demonstrate the United States’ continued dominance on the global stage and its ability to act unilaterally when it deems it necessary.

Speaking to the media, Zakareishvili argued that Washington’s actions underline a clear distinction between what he described as a “special military operation” carried out by the United States and what he characterised as Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“The United States once again clearly demonstrated that it is the leading power on the planet and acts as it sees fit,” Zakareishvili said. “When international law serves its interests, it uses it as a tool. When it does not, it is prepared to suppress what it considers injustice by any means.”

He said the US operation in Venezuela differed fundamentally from Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which he described as “aggression and war”.

“What can truly be called a special military operation is what happened in Venezuela,” he said. “It lasted only a few hours, achieved its necessary objectives, and was concluded. The regime was not dismantled, nor was that the aim. There was no attempt to restore the opposition to power. The priority was to preserve order, proceed towards elections, and allow the electoral process to determine the country’s future.”

Zakareishvili described this approach as a “very important moment” in understanding current global power dynamics.

According to US officials, American forces carried out an operation in Caracas on 2-3 January, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was detained. The United States has accused Maduro of narco-terrorism and conspiracy against the state, filing formal charges against him. A federal judge in Manhattan has scheduled the next court hearing in the case for 17 March.

Nicolás Maduro had served as Venezuela’s president for 13 years, assuming power following the death of Hugo Chávez.