US Unilateral Power Play Seen Undermining Global Order

DID Press: United States’ recent intervention in Venezuela and the detention of the country’s elected president has once again revealed a Washington that appears to see itself operating beyond international rules and norms. Analysts argue this is not an isolated incident, but part of a long-standing pattern that continues to challenge global stability. In an increasingly multipolar world, where emerging powers demand a greater role in decision-making, such actions could trigger deep and cascading consequences for security, diplomacy, and the broader international order.

Eroding red lines and rising risks
When a major power feels entitled to target or detain the leader of a sovereign nation outside its territory, it effectively sets a dangerous precedent and signals that such behavior is repeatable. The result is heightened insecurity for leaders, diplomats, and senior officials worldwide, weakening the foundations of diplomatic relations.
During the Cold War, even intense rivals largely avoided crossing such lines due to the risk of retaliation and destabilization. Today, however, that historical restraint appears to be eroding—particularly under the administration of Donald Trump—raising fears of a new period of instability.

Unilateralism anchored in hard power
For decades, the United States has often prioritized military and intelligence power when its interests clashed with international rules—from Panama and Iraq to covert operations elsewhere. The difference now, analysts suggest, is that the world is no longer the unipolar environment of the 1990s. New regional blocs and independent actors have greater capacity to resist or respond.
Each unilateral move risks unpredictable outcomes: diminished trust among allies, stronger coordination among rival powers, escalating geopolitical competition, and further weakening of post-1945 global institutions.

Consolidating the Global South
These dynamics may drive greater alignment among states that feel vulnerable to U.S. unpredictability. Many have long criticized Washington’s perceived double standards, and now see renewed incentive to form alternative alliances, strengthen security cooperation, and reduce dependence on the United States—potentially diluting American influence in multilateral organizations.

A threat to diplomacy itself
If political leaders believe their safety is no longer assured, participation in global summits will become more hesitant. This fosters an international environment based on fear rather than diplomacy, undermines the effectiveness of the United Nations, and increases the risk of miscalculation and sudden crises.

A more complex world, higher stakes
In a more crowded and competitive geopolitical landscape, unilateral actions can produce far-reaching ripple effects, potentially triggering chain reactions that are difficult to control. While Donald Trump portrays himself as restoring American power, critics argue that impulsive actions accelerate U.S. isolation and hasten its relative decline.

Some observers add that while such tactics may yield short-term outcomes against weaker states, dealing with emerging powers will carry heavier—and longer-term—costs, turning the slogan “America First” into what they describe as “America Last” on the world stage.