Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs has intensified his critique of U.S. foreign policy, labeling Washington a 'war machine' during an exclusive interview with CGTN's Tian Wei this week. His remarks followed controversial social media claims by U.S. President Donald Trump about American military strikes in Venezuela and the alleged evacuation of President Nicolás Maduro.
Sachs, a renowned economist and UN advisor, argued that recent developments demonstrate how the U.S. 'is singlehandedly ripping up the UN Charter' designed to prevent catastrophic conflicts. 'We're witnessing the systematic dismantling of international law frameworks that took decades to build,' he stated, referencing Washington's alleged unilateral actions.
The commentary comes amid heightened tensions in Latin America, with regional analysts noting increased U.S. military activity this year. While Venezuelan authorities have not confirmed Trump's claims, the situation highlights growing concerns about conflict escalation mechanisms in 2026's geopolitical landscape.
Academics and policymakers worldwide are now debating Sachs' warning about the erosion of multilateral safeguards. 'The rules-based international order isn't perfect, but abandoning it risks returning to 20th-century patterns of destructive power politics,' the professor emphasized during the televised discussion.
