Amid rising tensions with Venezuela, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, declared that the Western Hemisphere is America's sphere of influence, and no one will assert undue authority here. While providing an account of a US operation in Venezuela, Ambassador Waltz made his stance clear; the United States will not allow its adversaries to use this hemisphere as a foothold.
As Ambassador Waltz spoke at the UN, representing Venezuela, their envoy watched with boiling anger. Before delving into America's operational details, understanding the Western Hemisphere's significance is crucial to this geopolitical stance.
What is the Western Hemisphere?
The Western Hemisphere represents half of the Earth situated west of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude passing through Greenwich) and east of 180° longitude. Commonly, it divides the Earth into two parts: Eastern and Western Hemispheres, a geographical delineation.
This region primarily includes North America and South America, as well as surrounding oceans, encompassing countries like Canada, the US, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and more.
Technically, it includes parts of Europe (such as Iceland and western Britain), portions of Western Africa, islands in Oceania, and parts of Antarctica. However, in everyday parlance, the Western Hemisphere mostly refers to the American continents.
US Statements About Venezuela at the UN
Through its operations, the US essentially claimed authority over the entire area.
Ambassador Waltz accused Maduro of not just being a mere alleged drug smuggler but an illegitimate ruler. He stated, "Maduro was never a legitimate head of state."
Source: aajtak
In the UN, the US charged that Maduro and his cohorts manipulated Venezuela's electoral systems to stay in power illegitimately. A UN study in 2024 concluded elections were a mockery without necessary transparency or integrity measures.
Waltz emphasized, "If the UN legitimizes a narcoterrorist over a democratically elected official, it questions the organization's credibility."
The Charges Against Maduro at the UN
Listing crimes, Waltz claimed, "Maduro became wealthy off countless Americans', Venezuelans', and others' suffering, aiding international terrorist groups like Hezbollah, collaborating with corrupt entities, and misusing resources not just in this area but impacting the U.S. as well."
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime identified Venezuela as a key trafficking route for illicit drugs, notably cocaine, heading toward the U.S. and Europe in their 2025 World Drug Report.
America's Strategic Plans for the Western Hemisphere
Ambassador Waltz outlined the strategy, "As Secretary Rubio highlighted, the Western Hemisphere is our home. We will not let it serve as a base for our adversaries or competitors."
Waltz clarified, "Venezuela will not be allowed to operate as a hub for adversarial agents. The world's largest energy reserves cannot be surrendered to enemies or unlawful leaders."
Note that Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves.
Waltz reiterated President Trump's commitment to diplomacy, offering peaceful solutions to Maduro, who rejected them. Trump was clear that narcoterrorism must end, and despite ongoing efforts, this fight against the evil of narcoterrorism continues to protect Americans.
