Chilean Warning About Strongest Prevailing Over Multilateralism Resonates

Chilean President Gabriel Boric’s warning that the United States military operation in Venezuela represents a step toward a world where the strongest prevail over multilateralism has resonated across the international community. His statement following Saturday’s strikes articulates concerns about the erosion of cooperative frameworks governing international relations.
Boric emphasized that attacking countries in blatant violation of international law creates a world of violence, chaos, and instability where might makes right rather than established legal norms. This formulation captures anxieties about whether smaller and medium-sized nations can maintain security and autonomy if major powers act with impunity.
The Chilean president’s position reflects his country’s commitment to multilateral institutions and international law as protections for nations that cannot match the military power of global superpowers. His warning aligns with similar statements from Brazil’s Lula and Colombia’s Petro about the implications for regional security.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face drug trafficking charges in New York, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming the charges relate to narcotics operations. President Trump stated the couple is aboard a ship being transported to the United States for prosecution.
The international response has been characterized by widespread condemnation from major powers and international organizations, with UN Secretary General António Guterres warning of dangerous precedents. Latin American reactions have divided along ideological lines, with right-wing governments offering support while progressive administrations warned of threats to multilateral cooperation. Colombia has mobilized its armed forces in anticipation of refugee flows.