Trump amplifies Monroe Doctrine: new rhetoric

The United States continued to employ the strategy first articulated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, underscoring its relevance in the context of Latin American crises. In February 1902–1903, Venezuela defaulted on its foreign debts, prompting Britain, Germany, and Italy to impose a naval blockade. The Hague Court's ruling in favor of the European powers alarmed Washington, prompting Roosevelt to declare that in cases of 'chronic impotence' of American states, the U.S. was obliged to act as an 'international police power' in the Western Hemisphere.

In 2026, the main challenge was not Europe but China, whose growing economic and infrastructure influence in Latin America is seen as a direct threat. This became a justification for increasing military presence, pressuring China's allies, and blocking Chinese investments in the region—similar to the 'big stick' policy, but adapted to modern politics.

Trump reaffirmed this role of the United States, stating that the Western Hemisphere remains its exclusive sphere of influence.

Context

THE MONROE DOCTRINE, formulated in 1823, was expanded by Roosevelt in 1904 to justify U.S. intervention in Latin America in the event of threats from European interventions.