Latin American Leaders Split on US Action Against Maduro

Latin American leaders have expressed sharply divided reactions following a surprise military operation by the United States that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The action, which took place early on Saturday, has reignited historical tensions related to US interventions in the region, prompting both condemnation and praise.

Many countries in Latin America have long been wary of US military involvement, given its history of supporting authoritarian regimes throughout the 20th century. Yet, the growing unpopularity of Maduro, who has overseen Venezuela’s significant social and economic collapse, has shifted some political dynamics. Nearly eight million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2018, with 85 percent migrating to neighboring nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration.

Political Reactions Across the Region

The political landscape in Latin America has been evolving, with a noticeable shift toward right-leaning governments in recent elections. These leaders often view the historical US-backed military regimes as necessary defenses against what they perceive as the threat of socialism. As a result, the responses to the US action against Maduro vary significantly along political lines.

Steven Levitsky, a professor and director of Harvard’s David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, noted the predictable nature of these responses. “You’ll see right-wing governments applaud because that’s what they do. You’ll see left-wing governments criticize because how could they not?” he explained.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader who has frequently clashed with former President Donald Trump, was among the strongest critics. In a series of messages on X, Petro condemned the attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty and called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva echoed these sentiments, describing the US actions as crossing “an unacceptable line.” Meanwhile, the president-elect of Chile, José Antonio Kast, who gained prominence by promising to address migration and crime, welcomed Maduro’s capture. “Now begins a greater task. The governments of Latin America must ensure that the entire apparatus of the regime abandons power and is held accountable,” Kast stated. He is scheduled to be sworn in on March 11, 2025.

In Argentina, President Javier Milei, known for his close ties to Trump, has consistently criticized Maduro. He expressed support for the military action on social media. Similarly, Ecuador’s right-wing President Daniel Noboa stated that Venezuelans opposing Maduro and his political godfather, Hugo Chávez, would find a supportive ally in Ecuador.

Implications for US-Latin America Relations

The US’s military operation against Maduro is viewed as a significant moment in US-Latin America relations. Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly and vice-president of policy at Americas Society/Council of the Americas, described the event as “one of the most momentous decisions in the history of US-Latin America relations.” He noted that it signals a resurgence of US influence in the region, a concept that had notably diminished since the Cold War.

As political leaders across Latin America prepare for various responses, protests both in favor of and against the strikes in Venezuela are scheduled in cities like Buenos Aires and others throughout the region. The reaction to the US military action will likely shape the political discourse surrounding security and immigration in the months to come.

The division among Latin American leaders reflects the complex history and ongoing tension surrounding US involvement in the region. As events unfold, the geopolitical landscape may shift, influencing both regional stability and international relations.