The Guardian View on the New Monroe Doctrine: Trump's Forceful Approach to the Western Hemisphere Comes at a Cost
US foreign policy under President Trump has pivoted sharply towards the Americas, reviving the Monroe Doctrine with a forceful and interventionist stance. This new approach, seen as a 2025 Trump Corollary to the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, involves plans for military actions including potential moves in Greenland, floated ideas to make Canada the 51st US state, and a possible seizure of the Panama Canal. It also encompasses sweeping tariffs and hints at scrapping the Canada-Mexico trade pact.
Interference extends to meddling in elections in Honduras and Argentina, along with sanctions on Colombia’s president in October. Extrajudicial actions in the drug war include attacks on alleged drug boats, designating traffickers as terrorists, and threats of strikes on Mexico and Venezuela, with CIA drone activity noted on a Venezuelan port facility. Gunboat diplomacy is evidenced by a large US naval presence off Venezuela, the seizure of oil tankers, a Maduro ultimatum, and a $50 million bounty on Maduro.
The plan includes enlisting allies, adjusting the US military presence, and seeks to restore American power in the region. However, reactions have varied, with China becoming Latin America's largest trading partner while the US remains the largest foreign investor. Argentina's Milei has received a $40 billion bailout from Trump. Meanwhile, concerns persist over Brazil first under Bolsonaro and now with Lula's rise, including security deals deploying US troops. The EU-Mercosur trade deal has stalled, and Canada is seeking stronger transatlantic ties.
Internal policy tensions exist within Trump's team, with Richard Grenell promoting talks with Maduro, contrasting with the hawkish stance of Marco Rubio, signaling an uneven policy direction. The Guardian warns of potential negative consequences such as regional backlash, a surge of refugees to the US, fears of US bullying and withdrawal, and possible long-term regrets for the United States.
