THE HAGUE – Beyond immediate regional concerns, the Venezuela crisis has ignited a broader debate in the Dutch Parliament about the future of international law and global power politics. MPs repeatedly questioned whether the current world order is shifting from rule-based cooperation toward a system dominated by spheres of influence and unilateral action.
Some speakers argued that strict adherence to international law is essential for small and medium-sized countries like the Netherlands, while others took a more realist view, suggesting that power dynamics have always shaped global affairs. The role of the United States as both ally and unpredictable actor featured prominently throughout the discussion.
The cabinet maintained that the Netherlands will continue to defend the international legal order while navigating complex geopolitical realities, particularly where the safety of the Kingdom’s Caribbean territories is concerned.