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Opinion columnist M Gessen writes in New York Times that recent US military operation leading to arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not weaken Russia or Vladimir Putin.
Gessen argues opposite true: ‘kidnapping of Maduro’ serves shared vision of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin for world ruled by power and spheres of influence, undermining remaining post–World War II international order based on law, justice and human rights.
Column warns move signals application of what known as ‘Donroe Doctrine’, suggesting arrest of Maduro paves way for world where Trump dominates Latin America, Putin Europe, and Chinese President Xi Jinping Taiwan.
‘Donroe Doctrine’ blends name Donald with historic Monroe Doctrine announced by US President James Monroe in 1823 to assert US dominance over Western Hemisphere under banner of opposing European colonialism.
Doctrine rests on deal-based diplomacy, rewarding governments that align with Trump and punishing those that defy him, according to New York Times analysis published 18 November 2025 titled ‘Trump embraces Donroe Doctrine to dominate Western Hemisphere’.
Gessen notes existing international system never ideal and often hollowed out by major powers themselves, yet despite flaws it provided real accountability mechanisms, expanded prospects for freedom and dignity, and upheld hope for rules-based world.
That horizon now fades as United States itself resorts to illegal actions presented under false moral cover.
Writer criticises Trump rhetoric justifying Maduro arrest in name of democracy, calling it cover for new colonial policy aimed at controlling natural resources, particularly Venezuelan oil.
Gessen highlights parallels between Trump and Putin narratives, both justifying invasion and dominance through language of liberation and sovereignty. As Putin claims invasion of Ukraine aims to ‘liberate’ it, Trump uses similar framing to justify control over Venezuela, including claims of stolen resources or infrastructure.
According to columnist, Trump political logic treats states as warehouses of wealth rather than sovereign societies, mirroring mindset shaped by Putin Soviet-era upbringing and now reproduced by US president.
Article warns approach gives Putin green light for further expansion in Europe and sends similar signal to China over Taiwan.
If Washington allows itself to invade capitals and abduct presidents for oil, Gessen argues, it opens door for Russia and China to apply same logic in their regions.
Column concludes fall of Maduro in this manner does not weaken Putin but validates his worldview, making world more hospitable to expansionist ambitions and aligning Trump and Putin more closely.