PRIME Research Forum What Does the Trump Administration’s Attack on Venezuela Mean?
Toward a Perspective for Peacebuilding

Since the beginning of 2026, the Trump administration’s attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro have shocked the world. Observers have drawn parallels with earlier U.S. interventions in Latin America, such as the invasion of Panama in 1989 and the removal of Chilean President Salvador Allende in 1973. Some argue, however, that the current situation goes even further.

President Trump has openly stated that securing oil resources is one of the objectives of the operation, that the United States intends to “administer” Venezuela, and that international law should not stand in the way of these goals.

Meanwhile, in the absence of President Maduro, Interim President Rodríguez has sought to avoid military confrontation with the United States and pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue. However, as pressure from the Trump administration continues to intensify, the future remains uncertain.

What does this attack on Venezuela reveal about the nature of U.S. power? How are Venezuelan citizens experiencing the ongoing tensions and pressures facing their country? The International Peace Research Institute (PRIME), which has continuously examined developments in Venezuela, welcomes two speakers to discuss these questions and explore what can be done from Japan, while seeking perspectives for peacebuilding.

Date and Time　　：　Monday, January 26, 17:00–19:00

Venue　　：　Room 1406, 4th Floor, Main Building Meiji Gakuin University, Shirokane Campus

Admission　：　Free

Registration：　Not required

Language：　Japanese

Program：

Presentation 1: “Latest Developments from Venezuela” Seiko Ishikawa (Ambassador of Venezuela to Japan)

Presentation 2: What the Attack on Venezuela Reveals About the Trump Administration” Osamu Nishitani (Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies)

Moderator：

Kazuta Hioki (Television Producer and Research Fellow, PRIME)

Organizer：　PRIME (International Peace Research Institute), Meiji Gakuin University

Supported by：Friends of Le Monde diplomatique Tokyo