The Trump administration's arrest of Maduro has prompted many to cheer what they call the "overthrow of a dictatorship". Yet on closer reflection, it is deeply unsettling. As is widely known, Trump himself shows little respect for the Constitution: he tramples the rule of law, mocks democracy, suppresses political opponents, and disregards—if not outright violates—human rights. A leader with such clear authoritarian tendencies can today invoke the banner of "anti-dictatorship" to arrest Maduro, and tomorrow just as easily overthrow the government of another country he happens to dislike, under some other pretext.

Trump disregards international law, repeatedly resorting to violence and armed intervention instead of dialogue, negotiation, and multilateral mechanisms. This approach sets an extremely dangerous precedent for the international community and further exposes the administration's pronounced unilateralism. The result is serious and far-reaching damage to international law and to the rules-based international order.

Ultimately, Trump's actions are not about Venezuela at all. They are largely about deflecting domestic tensions. To expect a political figure with such strong authoritarian inclinations to point the way forward for the world is nothing short of wishful thinking.