The Capture of Maduro: is international law dead?

On January 3rd 2026, the United States launched an audacious mission to capture Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and bring him back to the US to stand trial on charges related to "narcoterrorism". The operation has shocked the world, with some quarters celebrating the toppling of an illegitimate, authoritarian regime, and others decrying the flagrant abuse of international law. Has President Trump put the final nail in the coffin of the concept of international law? Or is there a defence for the operation via precedent or domestic law? The Law and Disorder trio – Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy and Nicholas Mostyn – assemble to discuss.

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Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.

Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.

Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.

Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.

Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey.

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