Prologue
There are many who believe that the capture of the Venezuelan president was a violation of the principle of international law. This was the consensus expressed in the United Nations meeting of January 5, 2026.
Venezuela Live Updates: At U.N. Emergency Meeting, U.S. Allies Criticize Military Action in Caracas
American allies including France objected to the military incursion into a sovereign state and the capture of the Venezuelan president as a violation of international law.
The full text of the New York Times article is here.
Assuming, without deciding, that the United States violated international law, it is clear that:
The United States does not feel bound by International law.
Circa December 10, 1979
On December 10, 1079 I was awakened by a radio broadcast where I listened to the very impressive voice, passion and arguments being made by U.S. Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti. Mr. Civiletti was explaining to the International Court of Justice the legal significance of a group of Iran students forcibly entering the U.S. Embassy, without the permission of the U.S. Government, taking control of the Embassy and holding the employees hostage. There are some who would call this a hostage taking.
Mr. Civiletti explained to the court that the occupation of the U.S. Embassy and holding the occupants hostage was a violation of specific treaties AND a violation of international law.
What follows is the full text of Mr. Civiletti’s plea to the International Court of Justice.
Click to access Civiletti-12-10-1979.pdf
Listen to this AI generated podcast based on Mr. Civiletti’s argument to the court. What is remarkable is that in 1979 the United States appears to be supporting the validity of international law and the sovereignty of nations. Those interested should listen to the podcast at least twice.
It appears that the United States of 1979 is not the same as the United States of 2026.
Appendix – Some further reaction …