The Venezuelan Raid and the Death of International Law
The U.S. raid in Venezuela has sparked intense debate over state sovereignty. While Maduro is widely condemned as a dictator, European experts argue that the unilateral U.S. action lacks legal justification. This move signals a shift from the international rule of law to the “law of the strongest”.
European governments, particularly Germany, find themselves in a complex political bind. They remain heavily dependent on American military engagement for security in Ukraine and within NATO, leading to a reluctant silence regarding these violations of international law.
The Greenland Question: A Threat to NATO’s Core
Perhaps more jarring for the European Union is the prospect of the U.S. annexing Greenland. While 50,000 Greenlanders are technically EU citizens through Denmark, the U.S. administration has suggested that no military force would oppose such a move.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a U.S. attack or forced annexation of Greenland would effectively mean the end of NATO. The core promise of NATO—that members protect each other—is rendered void if one member annexes the territory of another.
Strategic Autonomy: Can Europe Defend Itself?
With the reliability of the U.S. as a partner in question, the call for European “power” has never been louder. Nouripour emphasizes that individual nations like Germany, France, or Estonia are not strong enough alone; Europe must act as a unified power to survive this “jungle”.
- Nuclear Deterrence: Even if NATO dissolves, bilateral treaties with nuclear-armed neighbors like France and the UK offer a layer of protection for nations like Germany.
- Military Investment: Germany has already begun implementing special funds to bolster its armed forces, preparing for a future where U.S. support may be conditional or absent.
- Proactive Peace Plans: Rather than reacting to U.S. initiatives, Europe needs its own proactive peace plans, particularly for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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