😮 Imagine a world where any country could use force abroad without a green light from the UN! In early January 2026, recent US actions in Venezuela have sparked a global law debate.
International law experts — including Julian Davis Mortenson, a law professor at the University of Michigan — told CGTN that the United Nations Charter clearly prohibits unilateral military force. ⚖️ Under Chapter VII, force is only allowed in self-defense or when the UN Security Council gives the thumbs up.
Mortenson stresses that because Venezuela never attacked the United States, these latest moves may clash with the Charter's strict rules. If nations skip UN approval, it could weaken the whole system that keeps peace and order worldwide. 🌎
For young professionals, students, and Latin American diasporas, this is more than a legal puzzle: it's about regional stability, the power of international norms, and how global players shape the future. What does this mean for US-Latin America ties? And how will other nations react if the UN's authority is sidelined?
Stay tuned as we track reactions from policymakers and legal scholars across the Americas. One thing is clear: when it comes to using force, the rulebook is written in the UN Charter — and experts say ignoring it could set a risky precedent. 🕊️
Reference(s):
Legal experts: U.S. actions in Venezuela prohibited by UN Charter
cgtn.com
