Chile’s Boric Warns Against Law of the Strongest Prevailing Over Multilateralism

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has joined other progressive Latin American leaders in condemning the United States military operation in Venezuela, warning that attacking countries in violation of international law represents a step toward a world where might makes right rather than multilateral cooperation. The Saturday strikes that captured President Nicolás Maduro have created deep divisions across South America.
Boric’s criticism aligns with statements from Brazil’s Lula, Colombia’s Petro, and Mexico’s Sheinbaum, all emphasizing concerns about sovereignty violations and the dangerous precedent set by unilateral military intervention. These leaders have drawn connections to historical patterns of American involvement in Latin America, characterizing the current operation as a revival of imperialist practices.
The Trump administration has defended the operation by focusing on drug trafficking charges awaiting Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in New York. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed criminal proceedings, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated charges would relate to narcotics operations. President Trump stated the couple is aboard a ship being transported to the United States for prosecution.
The international response has been characterized by widespread condemnation, with UN Secretary General António Guterres warning of dangerous precedents for international relations. Major powers including China and Russia have issued strong criticism, with China condemning hegemonic behavior and Russia demanding the immediate release of the captured leaders.
The divided regional response reflects ideological fractures in South America, with right-wing governments like Argentina celebrating the operation while leftist administrations condemned it. Colombia has mobilized its armed forces in anticipation of potential refugee flows, and security experts question whether external military intervention can achieve democratic transformation or will simply perpetuate cycles of instability and authoritarian governance that have characterized Venezuela for years.