To Save Us From Hell Is This an Existential Moment for the United Nations?
7 snips
Jan 8, 2026 The U.S. military's unexpected operation in Venezuela sparked an emergency Security Council meeting, leading to a flurry of international reactions. The hosts dissect responses from Latin America, Denmark, and South Africa, contrasting them with reactions to the Ukraine conflict. They examine how the Maduro regime’s actions influenced council dynamics and highlight concerns over Venezuelan sovereignty. With discussions on potential shifts in global power and the UN's future, this moment serves as a critical juncture for international relations.
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Sudden U.S. Operation Reshaped UN Agenda
- The U.S. conducted a sudden military operation in Venezuela that stunned global observers and reshaped the immediate UN agenda.
- Mark Leon Goldberg and Anjali Dayal treat the action as a pivotal event altering 2026's UN dynamics.
Colombia's Council Call Was Strategic
- Colombia convened a Security Council meeting because it faces direct threats and refugee spillover from Venezuela.
- The session included Latin American states and civil society briefers chosen by the U.S. and Russia, shaping contrasting narratives.
Morning Alert Turned Into Political Shock
- Mark recounts waking to a BBC alert claiming Nicolás Maduro had been captured and brought to New York.
- He describes the subsequent shocking press conference where Trump linked the operation to seizing Venezuelan oil.
