The recent military action by the U.S. in Venezuela has heightened tensions worldwide. This move has elicited sharp international reactions, suggesting that global conflict may now encompass Latin America. The U.S. claims this step is against narco-terrorism, yet President Donald Trump has accused Venezuela of stealing American oil interests. He also stated that the U.S. might temporarily control the country to utilize its oil resources.
Escalating Wars, Rising Deaths
This action has divided global opinion, clearly indicating that international politics is already mired in profound differences and tensions. According to ACLED, the number of conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia has increased by 2025. Many nations have resorted to aerial and drone strikes against neighboring countries and domestic armed groups. Meanwhile, armed groups in Africa and Latin America have consistently challenged governments.
What the Studies Reveal
According to ACLED, the most conflicts occur in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Countries have attacked their neighbors with drones and other weapons. In the process, many nations have raised their defense budgets. Moreover, several state-level wars have taken place in Africa and Latin America.
Data from Global Change suggests that the number of deaths in conflicts depends more on the intensity and lethality of the wars than on their sheer number. Although conflict-related deaths declined rapidly during most of the 2000s, the situation appeared to change in the mid-2010s.
Data shows that deaths due to wars surpassed 100,000 in 2014. By 2022, this figure reached an all-time high of approximately 277,000, primarily due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Although the number of deaths decreased in 2023 and 2024, active conflicts worldwide increased to 61. This indicates that global confrontations are becoming more fragmented and prolonged.
Support and Opposition
In this environment, U.S. actions concerning Venezuela have further deepened divisions among countries. Nations like Argentina and Chile have supported the U.S., asserting that this move is necessary to dismantle criminal gangs and strengthen democracy. Israel and Canada have also backed the U.S. decision.
Conversely, China and Russia have strongly opposed this action, arguing that it violates Venezuelan sovereignty and breaks international law. Iran, Cuba, Brazil, and Colombia have expressed concerns, saying that such moves could heighten global instability. Many countries in Latin America and Africa believe unilateral action is dangerous and that dialogue is the correct solution. The United Nations Security Council is likely to hold an emergency meeting on this issue.
