The US violated international law in Venezuela. These are the questions Australia must now ask | Donald Rothwell

US conduct could become more assertive in the Indo-Pacific in the remaining years of the Trump presidency - with serious implications for Anzus and Aukus

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

No matter how the Trump administration seeks to justify its actions in seizing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an audacious snatch and grab operation, this has been a gross violation of international law.

The United Nations charter makes crystal clear that all UN members are to refrain from the use of force" against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The US violation of Venezuelan airspace, ensuing airstrikes in Caracas, the seizure of Maduro and his illegal removal from Venezuela are all egregious violations of this. Any suggestion it was justified as an act of US self-defence is not supported by the facts. The US had not suffered a Venezuelan armed attack, nor is there any evidence to suggest such an attack was imminent. Geoffrey Robertson KC has gone so far as to suggest that what occurred was an act of US aggression against Venezuela, which is one of the most serious violations of international law. Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing war that resulted has had an ongoing legacy.

Donald Rothwell is professor of international law at the Australian National University