Summary of "Het definitieve begin van een nieuwe wereldorde?"

Overview of U.S. Actions in Venezuela and Global Geopolitics

The video explores a pivotal week in global geopolitics marked by significant U.S. actions in Venezuela, which may signal the start of a new world order. The U.S. military intervention in Venezuela—an unprecedented direct action under Trump’s administration—is framed as a historic break with recent norms but consistent with a long tradition of American imperialism in Latin America, rooted in the 1823 Monroe Doctrine.

Experts emphasize that this aggressive move is not just about Venezuela but serves as a message to other global powers, notably Russia and China, about U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

Historical Context and U.S. Justification

The analysis traces the U.S.’s century-and-a-half history of interventions in Central and South America, highlighting the uniqueness of the current action’s directness. Trump’s justification is grounded in a revived Monroe Doctrine, asserting America’s unilateral right to control resources and influence in the Americas, signaling a return to hard power politics.

Perspectives from China and Russia

China’s Reaction

Public and expert opinion in China expresses shock and concern due to close ties with Venezuela, especially in oil trade and investment.
China condemns U.S. actions rhetorically but recognizes potential strategic advantages.
Trump’s disruption of the liberal international order creates space for China to promote its own economic and political vision of a global order less dependent on Western democratic values.
The issue of Taiwan is discussed, with Chinese experts drawing parallels between U.S. actions in Venezuela and potential Chinese ambitions regarding Taiwan.
Despite these parallels, China prefers peaceful reunification and remains cautious about military action.

Russia’s Response

Official Russian response is notably muted despite Venezuela being a longtime ally and recipient of Russian support.
The U.S. seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela symbolizes a direct challenge to Russian influence.
Russian commentators and ultranationalists express frustration, viewing the event as a blow to Russia’s global standing and credibility.
A leaked 2019 transcript reveals a proposed geopolitical swap between Russia and the U.S.—Venezuela for Ukraine—highlighting ongoing strategic rivalries.
Experts note Russia’s diminished role as a global power compared to China and the U.S., emphasizing that spheres of influence are inherently unstable and contested.

Broader Implications for Global Power Dynamics

Overall, the video argues that the current events in Venezuela exemplify a broader reshuffling of global power dynamics:

The U.S. is reasserting dominance in its traditional sphere.
China is expanding its economic influence.
Russia is struggling to maintain its position.

The evolving situation is portrayed as the possible definitive start of a new, multipolar world order dominated by Washington, Beijing, and Moscow, though with ongoing tensions and uncertainties.

Presenters and Contributors

Two leading historians (one specializing in American-South American relations, the other in international relations)
Steve Tsang, political scientist and director of a China institute in London
Wang Guyao, chairman of a Chinese think tank
Russian political scientist Astrov (based in Vienna)
Ultranationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin
Igor Geirkin, convicted for involvement in MH17 downing
Economist Nikolai Kulbaka (former Russia-based economist)
Fiona Hill (referenced from leaked transcript, former US Security Council official)