Discussion Event: The US Assault on Venezuela
The Trump-Corollary?
15. Jan
Date: 15 January 2026
Time: 16:00 to 18:00 (s.t.)
Location: Lecture Hall 4 (Leuphana University Lüneburg)
On 3 January 2026, the United States shocked the international community by launching an attack on Venezuela and arresting Nicolás Maduro and his wife. This action raises concerns regarding its compliance with prevailing international law, particularly the prohibition of the use of force under Article 2.4 of the UN Charter. Furthermore, coupled with the United States' assertion of hegemony over the entire American continent and demands for control over Greenland, among other things, it raises broader questions about the extent to which such actions could undermine the international order.
On 15 January 2026, we would like to discuss these topics with two experts in the fields of international law and international relations. Our guests will be:
Professor Christopher Rossi (Artic University of Norway) served as a human rights advisor for the US government during the Clinton administration. He then taught at the University of Iowa for many years before taking up a position in Norway. In his latest publication, The Arctic Grossraum (2025), he predicted recent developments early on.
Dr Daniel Quiroga-Villamarín (University of Vienna and Hauser/Remarque Global Fellow at New York University) studied law in Colombia before attending the Geneva Graduate Institute, where he recently completed his doctorate in international law with distinction. His dissertation, which focused on the theme of 'Architects of the Better World', has since won several awards.
Christopher and Daniel will take this opportunity to share their detailed insights into recent events from the perspectives of the US and Latin America.
All interested parties are cordially invited to attend.
