Sovereignty, Power Politics and International Law: An Analysis of the United States' Arrest of Venezuela’s President and Its Implications for Nigeria and Africa
Abstract
Background of Study: The principles of state sovereignty, non-intervention, and head-of-state immunity are foundational to the international legal framework. These principles, enshrined in the United Nations Charter and customary international law, are increasingly challenged by the unilateral actions of powerful states. The 2026 arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States serves as a significant case that tests these principles.
Aims and Scope of Paper: This study aims to explore the legal and political issues surrounding the arrest of President Maduro, analyze how the incident highlights contemporary international power dynamics, and assess the implications of this event for Nigeria and African states within the broader context of international law and governance.
Methods: The research adopts a descriptive and analytical qualitative approach, utilizing secondary data from international legal instruments, scholarly articles, institutional reports, and reputable media outlets. The data is analyzed through qualitative content and thematic analysis, underpinned by international legal norms theory and realist power politics theory.
Results: The arrest of President Maduro presents a serious challenge to key international legal principles, such as sovereignty, the prohibition on the use of force, and head-of-state immunity, as it lacked host-state consent and UN Security Council authorization. The incident also underscores structural power imbalances in the international system, with the selective enforcement of legal norms and limited capacity of global institutions to regulate dominant powers.
Conclusion: Although international law remains crucial in theory, its effectiveness is constrained by power politics, as seen in the Maduro case. The study emphasizes the need for African states to engage in regional solidarity and collective diplomacy. It contributes to scholarly debates by combining legal and realist perspectives and highlighting African strategic concerns in global governance discussions.
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