Dr Matthew Schmidt: International relations expert says Trump's actions are unconcerned with international laws or norms

Dr Matthew Schmidt: International relations expert says Trump's actions are unconcerned with international laws or norms

Author: Newstalk ZB January 5, 2026 Duration: 5:53

At around 2am local time on January 3 the USA conducted strikes on Venezuela's capital city of Caracas in an alleged effort to remove sitting President Nicolás Maduro. 

The US has accused Maduro of leading a criminal drug-trafficking organisation.

A mix of celebration and protest have spread through Venezuelan communities, but the question remains on whether the US is breaking international law by intervening.

International relations expert at the University of New Haven Dr Matthew Schmidt joined Andrew Dickens to discuss. 

"In the end there are some things that would give a third party military the right under international law to intervene - this isn't one of them," Schmidt said.

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