The situation in Venezuela has become extremely turbulent. On one hand, there is the socialist government led by Nicolas Madura. On the other hand, there is the opposition led their leader Juan Guaido.
Some countries, like the United States, have officially recognized Juan Guaido as the Interim President. Other countries, like Russia, still recognize Nicole Madura and his government. They have even chastised the United States for recognizing the opposition.
Some have argued that the American left needs to find a voice on Venezuela. Fareed Zakaria’s perspective is that the Trump regime needs to find a way to usher out the Madura regime without triggering a backlash that the United States government is behaving in a way that is imperialist.
Others, however, argue that the United States should stay out of the Venezuela crisis altogether. The crisis has become so widespread that reports indicate that it has resulted in mass protests, tear gas being sprayed and rubber bullets to try to disperse the protests.
The civil unrest really began, as reported, as a result of mass economic problems under the Madura regime. Citizens have been unable to get the food and basic aid they need due to the economic crisis.
Recently, the United States tried to usher in aid through Columbia. The Madura regime blocked this aid from coming in and in turn cut off ties with the Columbian government.
The Venezuela crisis is certainly a test in terms of international law. Is the Madura regime or the opposition the legitimate government of Venezuela? Was the United States right to recognize the opposition? Or, is Russia and others like Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard correct that the United States should stay out of the situation all together?
Either way, there is no question that the Venezuela situation is a test that encompasses international law. It will be interesting to see whether the Madura regime stays in power or whether the military will eventually turn on him in favor of the opposition.