Does Venezuela usher in an era of might is right? Independent Thinking podcast

Chatham House’s leading experts in international law, US affairs and South America discuss what President Donald Trump’s attack on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolás Maduro mean for the global order as we – used to – know it.

Audio

Published 7 January 2026 — 36 minute listen

Host Bronwen Maddox is joined by Professor Marc Weller, Director of Chatham House’s International Law Programme; Laurel Rapp, Director of the US and North America Programme; and Christopher Sabatini, Senior Fellow for Latin America.

They discuss the failure of regional diplomacy that preceded the 3 January 2026 attack by the US on Venezuela, the tentative response of the international community in its aftermath, the domestic impact on American politics, historic precedents like the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and how it is likely to influence Russia and China’s actions in their regions.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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