- The year 2026 is characterized as the beginning of a new historical period defined by the dominance of powerful nations.
- This shift is highlighted by the United States' intervention in Venezuela, which is described as a definitive break from international law.
- This action is interpreted as validating territorial claims made by Moscow regarding Ukraine and by Beijing regarding Taiwan.
- The analysis suggests that the international order is moving away from established legal frameworks toward a system driven by the interests of powerful states.
Quick Summary
The year 2026 is characterized as the beginning of a new historical period defined by the dominance of powerful nations. This shift is highlighted by the United States' intervention in Venezuela, which is described as a definitive break from international law. This action is interpreted as validating territorial claims made by Moscow regarding Ukraine and by Beijing regarding Taiwan. The analysis suggests that the international order is moving away from established legal frameworks toward a system driven by the interests of powerful states. The situation in Venezuela serves as the primary example of this transformation, signaling a departure from previous diplomatic norms and ushering in an era where the actions of major powers set the global agenda.
A Turning Point in International Relations
The events of early 2026 are viewed as marking a significant shift in the global geopolitical landscape. The United States has taken decisive action regarding the situation in Venezuela. This intervention is not seen merely as a response to the nature of the Venezuelan government, but as a fundamental change in how international relations are conducted.
The analysis posits that these actions represent a formal break with the established right international. By intervening in Venezuela, the United States is seen as setting a precedent that bypasses traditional international legal structures. This move is interpreted as a signal to the rest of the world that the old rules no longer apply in the same way.
This shift is not isolated to the Western Hemisphere. The implications are global, affecting the balance of power and the interpretation of sovereignty. The move suggests that the United States is prioritizing its strategic interests over adherence to international consensus or legal frameworks previously governing such interventions.
2026, l’an I du nouvel âge des empires— Nicolas Baverez
Validation of Global Claims
The intervention in Venezuela is viewed as having ripple effects across the globe, specifically regarding ongoing territorial disputes. The United States actions are seen as validating the claims made by Moscow regarding Ukraine. If the United States acts unilaterally in Venezuela, it weakens the argument against similar unilateral actions by other powers in their own spheres of influence.
Similarly, the situation is seen as validating claims by Beijing regarding Taiwan. The precedent set by the US intervention suggests that powerful nations can assert control over territories they view as vital to their interests, regardless of international objection. This creates a complex environment where the principle of territorial integrity is challenged by the reality of power politics.
The convergence of these events suggests a unified trend rather than isolated incidents. It points to a world where:
- International law is secondary to national interest
- Powerful nations act with increased autonomy
- Regional conflicts have global implications for sovereignty norms
The Rise of the Predators
The core thesis of the analysis is that 2026 marks the start of a new age dominated by predators. This term is used to describe nations that act aggressively and without regard for international constraints to achieve their goals. The events in Venezuela, Ukraine, and Taiwan are presented as evidence of this new reality.
In this new era, the United Nations and other international bodies are seen as increasingly marginalized. Their ability to enforce international law or mediate conflicts is diminished when major powers choose to act outside of these frameworks. The focus shifts from multilateralism to bilateral power dynamics.
The characterization of this era as one of predators implies a return to a more Darwinian form of international relations. It suggests that survival and dominance depend on strength and the willingness to use it, rather than on diplomatic cooperation or legal adherence. The year 2026 is thus identified as the starting point for this new age.
Conclusion: The New Geopolitical Reality
The analysis concludes that the world has entered a transformative period. The intervention in Venezuela serves as the catalyst for this change, signaling a definitive end to the post-Cold War order. The United States has demonstrated a willingness to act outside of international law, creating a vacuum that is being filled by other powers.
This environment allows Moscow and Beijing to pursue their own territorial ambitions with greater impunity. The validation of their claims regarding Ukraine and Taiwan respectively underscores the fragility of the current international system. The events of 2026 are not just a series of geopolitical shifts, but the birth of a fundamentally different way of organizing global power.
As the year progresses, the world will likely continue to adjust to this reality. The dominance of the predators suggests that future conflicts will be resolved through strength rather than negotiation. The year 2026 will be remembered as the moment the old rules ceased to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 2026 considered a turning point?
It is viewed as the start of a new era where powerful nations act outside international law, specifically citing US intervention in Venezuela.
How does the Venezuela situation affect other global conflicts?
The intervention is seen as validating territorial claims made by Moscow regarding Ukraine and Beijing regarding Taiwan.




