Sovereignty under siege: U.S. actions in Venezuela and the erosion of international law in global governance
Author(s): Suman Malik
Abstract: The foundation of the contemporary international order has always been the idea of state sovereignty. However, its applicability and legality are being called into question more and more by recent changes in international politics. The future of international law and the efficacy of global governance institutions are seriously called into doubt by recent United States' aggressive tactics toward Venezuela, which range from economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation to implied threats against political leadership. This article critically examines the implications of U.S. actions against Venezuela for state sovereignty, democratic norms, and the authority of the United Nations. Additionally, such selective enforcement of international norms risks creating precedents that other powers may invoke in different geopolitical contexts, as illustrated through a comparative reference to the China-Taiwan issue. The paper demonstrates that a deeper structural issue in global governance is reflected in the silence of the UN and regional organisations, employing a qualitative and comparative analytical approach grounded in international relations theory and international law. The study concludes that the international system runs the risk of returning to a power-centric order where strategic objectives take precedence over legal principles if significant institutional reform is not implemented.
Suman Malik. Sovereignty under siege: U.S. actions in Venezuela and the erosion of international law in global governance. Int J Political Sci Governance 2026;8(1):140-143. DOI: 10.33545/26646021.2026.v8.i1b.845
