Best of the Spectator Quite right!: what Britain can learn from America's 'audacity' in Venezuela
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Jan 7, 2026 In a riveting discussion, the hosts dive into Donald Trump’s audacious raid on Venezuela, exploring its implications for power dynamics and national interests. They debate if this move was rogue or just typical state behavior. The controversy surrounding the Chagos Islands raises questions about Britain’s foreign policy and national credence. They also tackle police handling of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and the growing societal impact of weight-loss drugs, considering what might happen as prices drop.
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Force Over Forums Shapes Power
- Michael Gove argues Trump's Venezuela raid shows America enforces influence through decisive force rather than multilateral law.
- He warns that surgical, high-profile strikes can compel rivals without long nation-building commitments.
Pragmatism Over Democratic Legitimacy
- The raid replaced Maduro with a 'majorista' rather than the official opposition, showing strategic preference over democratic legitimacy.
- Gove and Madeline note this sidesteps promoting the opposition despite its electoral credibility.
Trump's Surgical Strike Pattern
- Gove compares Trump's surgical strikes to past US actions like the Soleimani killing and Iran strikes as a tactical pattern.
- He suggests Trump prefers rapid, high-impact raids over prolonged nation building.