If the world fails to restrain the United States over the Venezuela crisis, it would not be an exaggeration to say that humanity has taken its first serious step toward a Third World War. History teaches us that global wars do not erupt overnight; they are the result of repeated violations of international law, unchecked power, and the silence of the global community.
During his first presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to end America’s “endless wars.” The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan was widely seen as a fulfillment of that promise. Even during his second election campaign, Trump reiterated that the United States should stop acting as the world’s policeman.
However, the reality of his second term tells a different story. Since returning to power, President Trump has adopted a far more aggressive foreign policy. Reports indicate direct or indirect US military actions in Somalia, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, and Venezuela. The alleged military operation and abduction of the Venezuelan president represents a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications.
According to Article 2, Section 7 of the United Nations Charter, no state has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign nation. The US action in Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of this principle and sends a troubling message: that power can override international law. This is precisely the mindset that has historically led the world into catastrophic conflicts.
Such actions embolden other powerful states. Russia already controls parts of Ukraine and harbors ambitions that deeply worry Europe. Similarly, India, under the Hindutva ideology, has displayed parliamentary maps depicting a “greater India” encompassing much of South Asia. When international law is weakened, expansionist dreams begin to appear achievable.
To be fair, President Trump did play a significant role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10, 2025. Preventing a war between two nuclear-armed states was undoubtedly a major diplomatic success. On this basis, Pakistan nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Later, during the Palestine peace conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Trump’s involvement helped secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, prompting Pakistan to support his nomination once again.
Yet the critical question remains: can a few diplomatic interventions offset a pattern of military aggression and disregard for international norms? On one hand, Trump presents himself as a peacemaker; on the other, he authorizes military operations in multiple sovereign states. This contradiction undermines both US credibility and global stability.
The world today stands at a dangerously fragile crossroads. Rising tensions in the Middle East, Ukraine, South Asia, and Latin America could converge into a large-scale global conflict. If the United Nations, the European Union, China, and other major powers fail to take a firm stance against unilateral military actions, the unchecked use of force may push the world toward an irreversible disaster.
A Third World War would not resemble previous conflicts. It would be fought across economic, cyber, nuclear, and ideological fronts. Its consequences could include environmental collapse, global famine, and the breakdown of the international economic system. In such a war, there would be no true winners—only survivors.
The responsibility therefore lies with the global community to rise above narrow national interests and defend the rule-based international order. The United States, like all powerful nations, must be reminded that leadership comes with responsibility, not impunity. Silence over Venezuela today may mean chaos elsewhere tomorrow.
If the world fails to act now, it may soon find itself unable to prevent a catastrophe that could threaten the very existence of human civilization.