Venezuela Sanctions Debate Sparks Frustration Among International Law Students

On January 3, 2026, Jaś (@h_o_v_a) expressed disillusionment over a seminar discussion in international criminal law on Twitter/X. Responding to a peer, Jaś tweeted:

"I did 🙃 Someone in an international criminal law seminar said sanctions on Venezuela were legitimate and they should accede to US demands. Crashed out for the rest of the year honestly."

The tweet captures a mix of personal frustration and critical reflection on international law. Jaś was taken aback by a seminar comment supporting U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, reflecting wider debates over the legitimacy of international law in politically charged contexts.

I did 🙃 Someone in an international criminal law seminar said sanctions on Venezuela were legitimate and they should accede to US demands. Crashed out for the rest of the year honestly

— Jaś (@_h_o_v_a_) January 3, 2026

Context: U.S. sanctions on Venezuela began in response to political unrest in 2014 and 2017 and escalated during the 2018-2019 presidential crisis. While intended to target corrupt officials and protect human rights, critics argue these measures hurt ordinary citizens and serve as tools of political influence. Jaś’s tweet echoes skepticism shared by peers, like @pippercorn, who called international law “fake” and questioned its practical relevance.

Opinions: Some participants, such as @ZlyukaKoshka, countered Jaś’s skepticism, defending sanctions while opposing military invasions. This reflects a nuanced perspective in which international law mechanisms are selectively viewed as legitimate.

Implications: The frustration expressed by Jaś highlights a broader challenge in international law education: balancing theoretical frameworks with real-world geopolitical biases. If unchecked, this disillusionment could impact the next generation of legal scholars, fostering cynicism about global justice. Moving forward, seminars may need to emphasize critical debate, diverse perspectives, and the distinction between legal theory and political influence.

Test Your Understanding: International Law & Sanctions (Hard Level)