Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, Jeffrey Sachs argued that the central issue facing the council was not Venezuela’s domestic politics, but whether external powers have the right to shape another country’s political future through force, coercion, or economic pressure.
Sachs said such actions contravene Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the political independence of any state. He warned that abandoning this principle would have far-reaching consequences for international stability.
Providing historical context, Sachs stated that the United States has repeatedly pursued regime change operations since the mid-20th century through a range of methods, including military action, covert operations, sanctions, and political intervention. He said these practices continued after the Cold War and cited multiple countries where such actions were undertaken without authorisation from the United Nations Security Council.
Turning to Venezuela, Sachs outlined what he described as a long-running campaign of political and economic pressure, including support for opposition movements, sanctions on the state oil sector, and the freezing of overseas assets. He said these measures contributed to a sharp decline in oil production and living standards, while lacking approval under international law.
Sachs also criticised recent military actions and threats directed at multiple countries, arguing they were not authorised by the Security Council and did not meet the UN Charter’s criteria for self-defence. He urged council members to focus on upholding international law rather than judging Venezuela’s leadership.
In closing, Sachs called on the United Nations to reaffirm the authority of the UN Charter, warning that failure to do so in a nuclear age would carry existential risks. He urged an immediate end to unauthorised military and economic measures, the appointment of a UN envoy, and renewed commitment by all member states to act only within the framework of international law.
