Commentators have been quick to describe the US strikes in Venezuela as a breach of article 2(4) of the UN charter.
The US’ actions are only lawful if supported by a resolution from the UN Security Council; if the US was acting in self-defence; or – and this is often overlooked – if there was consent by the lawful government of Venezuela to the intervention.
There was no UN Security Council authorisation for the US to intervene in Venezuela, nor has the US been the victim of an ongoing or...