More than one year ago, I wrote about the lack of action from the international community after the fraudulent elections in Venezuela. I expressed how heartbreaking it was to see international organizations, like the Organization of American States, remain still. In July 2024, when former leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro committed electoral fraud, the OAS didn’t go beyond a press release. During that time, the Biden administration also failed to put pressure on a dictatorship that for years had been destroying millions of lives. Instead, the United States government removed sanctions and even released a key ally of the Venezuelan regime.
So on Jan. 3, many Venezuelans and other Latin Americans woke up relieved by the news that the Trump administration had finally taken action. But yet again, it was heartbreaking to witness the international response. People on social media began to defend a dictator and even go as far as to ask for his release, all with the purpose of blindly defending an ideology, and refused to listen to actual Venezuelans about their own experiences.
As students at one of the most important academic institutions in the world, the way we produce and reproduce ideas and stories matters. We are the future political and business leaders of the country, and it is crucial that we understand the nuances of international affairs such as the Venezuelan crisis. The discussions we have in the classroom will shape global debates, influence policy, and make a lasting impact on our world. Our community needs to learn how dangerous it is to go along with popular belief and support a regime they know nothing about.
For years, Americans have been blindly supporting fascist governments abroad in the name of being anti-Trump. “Hands off Venezuela” protesters have argued in support of a Maduro-led revolution and claimed he was elected democratically. After his capture protesters gathered to chant “Free Maduro” in New York, with similar arguments regarding sovereignty, democracy, and revolution. Not only are these statements false — Maduro was never a legitimate president, as there is proof of the committed fraud — but they are also offensive. For those of us familiar with the history of Venezuela, it is outraging to see people defend their own socialist ideologies to the point of invisibilizing millions of people that have suffered for more than 20 years.
One of the most common arguments criticizing Maduro’s capture is that it violated sovereignty and international law. However, this argument fails to acknowledge that the Maduro administration was already in violation of international law, not only because he was not a legitimate president, but also because of very outright violations of human rights. Maduro’s government captured over 1000 political prisoners, enacted policy resulting in food shortages, and caused the deaths of at least 24 protesters the day after the fraudulent elections. Free speech, democracy, and human rights, which are things the leftist movement seems to care about, simply did not exist in Venezuela. It is simply hypocritical for “free speech, no kings” defenders to be calling for the release of a dictator that did not respect free speech nor democracy at all.
Another recurrent argument invokes Venezuela’s oil reserves, warning of the potential exploitation Venezuela might face at the hands of the United States. Critics of the intervention have called it “modern-day colonialism.” But once again, this argument falls short. Mainly, it ignores the fact that Venezuela was already selling most of its oil to China, Russia, and Iran, exploiting its economy and citizens by doing so. If Americans are so concerned about oil, why wait until now to voice their thoughts? It is just another attempt to defend a fascist regime because it aligns with their socialist ideologies. What do these anti-interventionists suggest as a potential alternative? Should Venezuelans keep suffering another 30 years just because people are more concerned about oil and money than actual human rights?
While many argue that perhaps a more reasonable alternative is through dialogue and diplomacy, they forget that this has already been attempted and has failed. The Biden administration decreased sanctions on the country under the diplomatic agreement for Maduro to ensure “fair and free elections.” This happened in 2023, and three years of oppression followed suit — including the election fraud. So while it was shocking, the Trump administration did what had to be done.
Penn, since its founding, has been committed to free inquiry and thought. So right now, our students must be free thinkers and not just willfully support every anti-interventionist post on social media because it seems popular. This time, it’s important to listen to those who have truly experienced fascism and understand that foreign intervention is never a black-or-white issue.
MARIANA MARTINEZ is a College junior from Bogotá, Colombia studying Political Science. Her email is marmari@sas.upenn.edu.
