Yah Lah But

#762: S’pore “Concerned” by USA’s Capture of Venezuelan President & 9 New NMPs Announced

Jan 5, 2026
Tensions rise as Singapore expresses serious concern over the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, sparking a debate on international law and power politics. The hosts explore the implications for small states and reflect on mixed reactions from Venezuelans. Shifting focus, they announce nine new Nominated Members of Parliament in Singapore and discuss the diversity and integrity of the NMP scheme. Tune in for insights on geopolitical concerns and local political dynamics, paired with some lively banter!
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INSIGHT

US Action Blurs Law And Force

  • The US operation to capture Nicolás Maduro blurred law enforcement and military action, leaving global legal norms uncertain.
  • Haresh and Terence note this creates dangerous precedents for powerful states to act extrajudicially in other countries.
INSIGHT

Why Small States Need Rules

  • Small states depend on respect for sovereignty and international law to survive in a rules-based order.
  • Terence argues singling out great-power exceptions undermines protections for countries like Singapore.
INSIGHT

Normalising Realpolitik Risks Civic Trust

  • Public commentators arguing 'realpolitik' risk normalising might-makes-right foreign policy.
  • Haresh warns that accepting that view corrodes citizens' faith in law and civic institutions.
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