President Donald Trump's foreign policy is increasingly drawing parallels with a foundational American doctrine from the 19th century. While his admiration for tariff-using predecessor William McKinley is noted, it is the shadow of James Monroe, the fifth US President, that now looms large over contemporary strategy.
The Monroe Doctrine Reawakened
In 1823, President Monroe proclaimed a policy aimed at deterring European colonial ambitions in the Americas. In essence, it declared the Western Hemisphere as a US sphere of influence, with Washington pledging non-interference in European affairs in return. This established a principle of American supremacy in its own backyard, a concept with clear resonance today.
The Trump administration's actions demonstrate a modern application of this philosophy. While jokes are made about annexing Greenland or Canada, the underlying seriousness is evident: these landmasses are part of the American continent. More concretely, the direct intervention in Venezuela, including seizing oil tankers and cutting off trade supporting the Caracas regime, shows a determined effort to assert control.
Security, Spheres, and Strategic Rivals
This approach is formally enshrined in policy. The administration's 2025 National Security Strategy, published last month, officially recognises Latin America as a US sphere of interest. Critics label actions against Venezuela as 'gunboat diplomacy', but Washington cites justifications rooted in collective security.
The Organisation of American States, founded in 1948, established a framework of mutual defence. The US now views threats like state-sponsored cybercrime, terrorism, and drug trafficking from Venezuela as modern forms of warfare, legitimising a robust response. The administration argues that naval muscle and a firm stance bring greater security and prosperity to the region.
The wider geopolitical goal is to counter Chinese influence. A key battleground is the Panama Canal. Washington is keen to prevent Chinese firm COSCO Shipping Ports and Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports from operating this vital waterway, preferring rivals from Dubai or Denmark deemed free of Beijing's sway.
A New Reality of Regional Blocs
The Trump administration draws a direct parallel with Europe's response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, arguing that if European collective security is valid, so is America's in its hemisphere. The message is that the US can no longer underwrite European security exclusively; instead, clusters of nations must handle their own defence.
This revival of the Monroe Doctrine, with its inherent flexibility to make exceptions 'when it suits', is presented as a matter of practicality. It signifies a shift towards a world order defined by regional power blocs, with the US firmly reasserting its primacy in the Americas. Whether Europe approves or not, this is positioned as the new strategic reality.
