Maduro’s removal from power in Venezuela and international law

This article examines the legality of regime change in international law through the 2026 US operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela. It argues that the operation was unlawful under multiple branches of international law, regardless of the nature of the undemocratic character of Maduro's government, which is responsible of serious violations of human rights. First, the regime change violated the prohibition of the use of force established by the UN Charter, as it was neither authorised by the Security Council nor justified by self-defence. Second, the regime change breached the principles of non-intervention and self-determination of peoples by coercively interfering in Venezuela's political system and pursuing control over its natural resources. Finally, Maduro's abduction could not be justified as a law enforcement measure: international law prohibits states from enforcing criminal jurisdiction on foreign territory without consent and protects sitting heads of state through immunity and inviolability.