Venezuela Exposes Western Europe’s Procedural Reflex

Originally published by RealClear World

On January 3, 2026, the United States took historic action against a regime that had spent years exporting violence, narcotics, and instability far beyond its borders. In a joint operation involving the U.S. military and law enforcement, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and removed from the country. Venezuelans around the world have poured into the streets to celebrate the collapse of a brutal dictatorship.

Operation Absolute Resolve was a demonstration of President Trump’s capability, restraint, and willingness to act on behalf of the American people, bringing evil to justice. It was also a reminder of something increasingly uncomfortable for Europe: when confronted with real evil that directly threatens the safety of citizens, the U.S. is willing to act decisively instead of surrendering to constructs of international law.

Nearly all the responses from our Western European allies show how far our most important and culturally consonant allies have drifted from reality, and how process-obsessed they have become.

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