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Within the immense confusion surrounding the United States attacks on Venezuela, the apprehension of leader Nicolás Maduro, and the declaration by Donald Trump that the US will “run” the country and “reclaim the petroleum resources”, one thing is clear – these actions create a profoundly disturbing precedent.

A Grim History and a New Escalation

The United States has a grim history of meddling, military incursions, and control in Latin America, but the recent overnight operation marked its first major military attack on the soil of a South American nation. “American dominance in the western hemisphere will never be questioned again,” Mr Trump declared.

The move to assault another independent nation and abduct its leader – just a short time after he publicly sought an off-ramp – has still wider repercussions. This ought to concern everyone.

Profound Uncertainty for Venezuela

Venezuelans have lived through a dictatorship marked by theft and failure under Mr Maduro, widely believed to have rigged the previous presidential vote. They now face profound uncertainty at best. Mr Trump has indicated that Maduro's second-in-command, Delcy Rodríguez would follow US instructions, and brushed aside rightwing opposition leader and Nobel prize-winner María Corina Machado as a viable alternative.

However, Ms Rodríguez, now the acting leader, has so far sounded notes of defiance – and other parts of the leadership-stricken government are considerably more radical.

A Shift in Global Role

A man who won power promising to abandon foreign wars now says he is “unconcerned about deploying troops”. Renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War was not merely symbolic. He no longer views the world’s superpower as a international peacekeeper; he is transforming it into a rogue state.

He believes that the US’s might permits it to do as it wishes with scant penalty: witness the attacks in Nigeria and against Iranian nuclear sites. He claims that the oil resources of Venezuela means this latest episode “will be financially free”.

An Attack Without Legal Justification

George W. Bush initiated war in Iraq on a lie. But this illegal attack came absent any United Nations mandate or authorization from lawmakers; key legislators received no advance notice and say they were deliberately deceived in briefings. Mr Trump doesn’t seek to bend international norms, but to obliterate them.

Set aside the implication this carries to leaders in Moscow, Beijing, and beyond, and consider the destination for America itself. While the raid is said to have slain 40 Venezuelans, including civilians, no US personnel died. Mr Trump’s escalating feeling of being untouchable will surely embolden more reckless actions.

The Stated Reason Versus the Real Aims

It is widely rejected the pretext that this is concerning narcotics. Venezuela is only a secondary pathway for cocaine; Mr Trump recently granted clemency to the former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández for drugs and weapons crimes. Mr Trump himself has been explicit that he is propelled by the allure of petroleum resources as well as personal bravado, the worldview of key officials, and the desire for glory as his standing with the American public falters.

Tepid International Response and Waning Global Governance

The global reaction, especially in Europe, has – with notable outliers – been shockingly muted. That’s not a result of Mr Maduro’s sins, but trepidation regarding Mr Trump’s wrath. The forceful statement from UN Secretary General António Guterres was notable, but this episode emphasizes the waning power of international bodies.

Mr Trump’s isolationist supporters at home could yet press him to turn attention back home – but soaring healthcare premiums, financial discontent and other domestic scandals fuel his desire for external drama.

It has been less than 12 months into his time in office. The international community may live to repent if they fail to speak up today, given what – and who – could be next.