Link to the article: https://latinamericanpost.com/analysis-en/a-u-s-strike-against-a-venezuelan-boat-at-sea-and-the-war-that-isnt-a-war/
A recent U.S. military strike destroyed a Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean, allegedly killing eleven gang members connected to Tren de Aragua. While the operation was labeled a success, it raises questions about its legitimacy and justification. No drugs or evidence have been presented, just a video of the boat exploding. Analysts say that labeling the suspects as “terrorists” is a way to frame the U.S. government’s actions as warfare. They also state that this operation was used to send a message rather than stop crime. Critics say that, while the strike may push away some smugglers, it destroys evidence, risks tensions, and places a confusing line between law enforcement and war. As of today, Venezuela is on high alert, questioning whether those eleven were truly a part of Tren de Aragua.
While the U.S. seems to be trying to set a warning, they are ultimately showing others their lack of due process and confusing policies. It emphasizes their want to hold Latin American countries within its grasp. While Venezuela can talk on the issue, they ultimately can’t do much due to the difference in power. They can call for help, but they know that by doing this it will cause bigger problems that they don’t want to deal with. The United States isn’t greatly affected by this event besides what other countries may think. This isn’t the same for Venezuela, they have been instilled with fear and, as of today, have even set up military sites around its borders.
When it comes to the Venezuelan government, they could let this strike go and focus more on their side of things. They could also fight against what the U.S. is doing, but due to the United States power, it would most likely result in little to no impact. They seem to be focusing on protecting themselves, with planting military around its borders, but they don’t want to cause conflicts. The United States government, specifically the president, can respond by apologizing for the country’s actions in order to maintain peace, which I believe would be the best option. Or, they could hold their stance and emphasize their power over Venezuela, which, while it could show authority, it could also damage its reputation with other countries.
This relates to class because this is a direct issue between two global actors and also what the U.S. believes is another actor—a drug cartel. The U.S. also sees them as a terrorist group, and this leads to global challenges such as violence, war, and even attempting peace. While war shouldn’t be in the equation here, the U.S. brought it to this level by striking a boat that they had little to no evidence on. This also raises the question of sovereignty, because did the U.S. have the sovereign right to strike this boat, or was it just used to send a message?
(After this article was posted, a new article came out explaining how the Venezuelan minister said the people on board the boat weren’t a part of Tren de Aragua. I will follow up on this with my next report.)