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Amid the considerable disarray regarding the US strikes on Venezuela, the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro, and Donald Trump's announcement that the US will “control” the country and “take back the oil”, there is no doubt – they set a deeply alarming precedent.

A Grim History and a New Escalation

The United States carries a troubling legacy of meddling, military incursions, and control in the region, but this past Saturday morning witnessed its premier large-scale offensive on the continent of South America. “The preeminence of America in this region is now beyond dispute,” the President stated.

The move to assault another sovereign country and seize its president – just a short time after he openly looked for a diplomatic solution – carries even broader implications. We all have reason to be worried.

Profound Uncertainty for Venezuela

Venezuelans have lived through a dictatorship marked by theft and failure under Mr Maduro, commonly thought to have stolen the last election. They now face profound uncertainty at best. Mr Trump has indicated that Mr Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodríguez would follow US instructions, and brushed aside prominent critic and Nobel prize-winner María Corina Machado as a credible successor.

However, Ms Rodríguez, now the acting leader, has so far sounded notes of defiance – and other elements of the decapitated regime are far more intransigent.

From Global Policeman to International Outlaw

A man who came to office pledging to stop foreign wars now says he is “not afraid of boots on the ground”. Redesignating the Department of Defense as the Department of War was not merely symbolic. He no longer views the world’s superpower as a global policeman; he is converting it into a lawless actor.

He holds the view that the America's power enables it to do as it wishes with scant penalty: observe the attacks in Nigeria and against Iranian nuclear sites. He claims that Venezuelan oil means this new undertaking “will be financially free”.

An Illegal Assault on Sovereignty

George W. Bush invaded Iraq on a lie. But this illegal attack came absent any United Nations mandate or the consent of the US Congress; key legislators received no advance notice and say they were actively misled in briefings. Mr Trump doesn’t seek to bend international norms, but to shatter them.

Set aside the implication this carries to global powers like Russia and China, and question the future path of the United States. While the raid is said to have slain 40 Venezuelans, including civilians, there were no American fatalities. Mr Trump’s escalating feeling of being untouchable will surely embolden further adventurism.

The Thin Pretext and True Motives

It is widely rejected the pretext that this is concerning narcotics. Venezuela is only a small transit route for cocaine; Mr Trump recently pardoned the ex-leader of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernández for related criminal convictions. Mr Trump himself has been explicit that he is motivated by the lure of oil as well as a desire to project strength, the beliefs held by certain advisors, and the quest for a legacy as his support at home declines.

World Leaders' Silence and a Weakened UN

The international response, especially in Europe, has – with notable outliers – been shockingly muted. That’s not because of Mr Maduro’s sins, but anxiety over Mr Trump’s wrath. The firm response from UN Secretary General António Guterres was notable, but this episode underscores the UN's diminishing clout.

Mr Trump’s isolationist supporters at home could still pressure him to turn attention back home – but soaring healthcare premiums, financial discontent and other domestic scandals fuel his desire for external drama.

It has been less than 12 months into his four-year term. World leaders may live to repent if they stay silent now, considering the potential next target.