Cooperative Security, Arms Control and Disarmament Report No.350
Report No.265: Venezuela: A Loud Cheer, an Amber Light and a Soft Jeer
Ramesh Thakur
January 16, 2026
Image: Lantica / shutterstock.com
This report discusses the US’ audacious actions in Venezuela on 3 January 2026 which could be considered a full-frontal challenge to the Westphalian world. The author explains why the US action deserves one, but only one of the traditional three cheers; an amber warning light instead of the second cheer; and possibly even a jeer as the final reaction. Based on the three-part argument, the report concludes by raising the possibility that the US coup in Venezuela might have driven the final nail in the coffin of the liberal international order.