Source: Chatham House –
Chatham House fellow gives evidence to UK House of Lords on legality of US actions in Venezuela
News release
jon.wallace
Professor Marc Weller, Director of the International Law Programme, gave evidence to the Committee on 4 February.
Professor Marc Weller, Director of the International Law Programme at Chatham House, gave evidence to the UK House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee on Wednesday 4 February.
Professor Weller was invited to give evidence on the legality of US actions in Venezuela due to his expertise in international law, including the use of force, dispute settlement, self-determination and peace-making.
During his appearance Professor Weller discussed the legal justifications provided by the US administration for its actions in Venezuela and assessed their compliance with international law. He also discussed the implications of US operations in Venezuela for the rules-based international order; and whether or not the US can pursue a version of the Monroe Doctrine within the confines of international law.
Professor Weller described in detail how the US approach to international law has evolved over the past decade, and how the US could have done much more to restore the credibility of the international legal system in recent years. He also set out how developing countries are uniting in defence of international law, and described Chatham House’s work to defend the international legal system.
Professor Weller said:
‘It was a pleasure to engage with the Lords, and review the proliferating justifications put by states, including the US, for the use of force in the pursuit of national interests.
‘This is a dangerous development that must be resisted if we want to avoid a return to the unrestrained power politics of the 19th century and the instability this would bring for us all.’