Sovereignty, International Law, and Trade: A New Landscape Between Venezuela and the United States

Key Chapter Title List

1. Escalation of Venezuela-US Tensions: Military Actions and Diplomatic Statements
2. Venezuela's Response: Seeking International Support and Defending Sovereignty
3. Legal Perspective: Military Presence in the Exclusive Economic Zone and International Law Disputes
4. Allegations Regarding Civil Aviation Safety and Violations of the Chicago Convention
5. Venezuela's International Complaints and Multilateral Actions
6. Military Countermeasures: Territorial Defense Mechanism Drills and Armed Forces Mobilization
7. Impact on the Business Environment: Legal Uncertainty and Trade Risks
8. Recommendations for Enterprises and Business Operators

Document Introduction

Recently, relations between Venezuela and the United States have significantly deteriorated, with frequent military actions and diplomatic statements raising international concern. U.S. President Trump emphasized the U.S. Navy's operations against Venezuelan drug trafficking groups, claiming that there are almost no vessels related to drug smuggling left in the Caribbean Sea. The Venezuelan government condemned the appearance of U.S. military aircraft near its coast, characterizing such incidents as provocations and threats to national security. This dynamic marks a new, more confrontational phase in the strategic interaction between the two countries in the Caribbean region.

From an international law perspective, the presence of U.S. military vessels and aircraft within Venezuela's exclusive economic zone, even if outside territorial waters, has sparked controversy regarding the interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principle of non-interference. The United States justifies its actions by citing the fight against drug trafficking and the designation of drug cartels as terrorist organizations. However, the legality of its actions, particularly the classification of traffickers as "unlawful combatants," has sparked widespread debate among legal experts and legislators. Simultaneously, Venezuela accuses U.S. military aircraft of intruding into its Maiquetía Flight Information Region, arguing that this not only threatens its national sovereignty but also violates international law and the Convention on International Civil Aviation, posing a danger to the safety of civil and commercial aviation operations in the Caribbean Sea.

In response, Venezuela has adopted a multi-pronged strategy. On one hand, it actively seeks international support, particularly by strengthening its strategic partnership with Russia, aiming to enhance cooperation and high-level political dialogue to counter the region's increasing militarization. On the other hand, the Venezuelan government has filed complaints with the UN Secretary-General, the Security Council, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, urging these bodies to take measures to prevent the recurrence of what it deems illegal and dangerous actions. Domestically, Venezuelan President Maduro announced the organization of drills aimed at perfecting the territorial defense mechanism, mobilizing forces including the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, militias, and newly established community militia units and "People's Comprehensive Defense Bases" to counter perceived external threats aimed at regime change.

This escalating political-military standoff has created significant legal uncertainty for companies and individuals with commercial interests in the region. The traditionally complex yet functional commercial relationship between Venezuela and the U.S. in sectors such as energy, food, and services now faces multiple threats, including the risk of additional sanctions, potential new emergency measures by Venezuela, and deepening regional militarization. These factors combined could severely impact the legal security guarantees for bilateral commercial operations.

Therefore, this report recommends that relevant companies and business operators closely monitor updates in legal and diplomatic developments, review existing contract clauses concerning force majeure and dispute resolution, and consider diversification strategies to mitigate the impact of potential restrictive measures. The evolution of bilateral relations will continue to be a key variable affecting trade between the two countries, making professional legal counsel and ongoing regulatory analysis indispensable tools for making informed decisions and protecting commercial interests. The content of this brief is intended to provide general information and background knowledge and does not constitute specific legal or commercial advice.