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This 200-year-old doctrine was once a crucial part of American foreign policy. Over the past two centuries, the US has used this doctrine several times to exert its influence over other countries.
US President Donald Trump mentioned the 'Monroe Doctrine' in a statement
New Delhi: Following the attack on Venezuela, US President Donald Trump mentioned the 'Monroe Doctrine' in a statement. This 200-year-old doctrine was once a crucial part of American foreign policy. Over the past two centuries, the US has used this doctrine several times to exert its influence over other countries.
Justifying his "America First" policy, Trump said, "The Monroe Doctrine also said the same thing. According to the national security strategy, America should have dominance in the Western Hemisphere. For decades, previous administrations ignored this, which jeopardized our security. But now we are taking steps to make America strong again."
What is the Monroe Doctrine?
A new foreign policy doctrine emerged during the tenure of James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States. During his term from 1817 to 1825, James Monroe introduced the Monroe Doctrine against European dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Its objective was not only to reduce European interference but also to establish American dominance in the world.
Used against Europe
In a speech to Congress in 1823, Monroe stated that European powers would not interfere in the affairs of the newly independent countries of the Western Hemisphere. In return, the US assured that it would not interfere in European wars or their internal affairs.
This was a time when Latin American countries had gained independence. Monroe wanted to ensure that Europe could not regain control over any country and that only the US would have dominance over the entire continent. The US has its eyes on Venezuela
Sexton, author of 'The Monroe Doctrine: Empire and Nation in Nineteenth-Century America,' says, "Venezuela has always been at the heart of the Monroe Doctrine. Since the 19th century, Venezuela has had strained relations with several countries. Venezuela has often tried to befriend countries opposed to the US. European countries were also interested in Venezuela initially, but since the implementation of the Monroe Doctrine, the US has dominated the region for almost two centuries."
Crisis averted during the Cold War
In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt also spoke of US government intervention to bring stability to Latin America. Even during the Cold War, the Monroe Doctrine helped avert the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. At the behest of the US, the Soviet Union (Russia) removed its nuclear missiles from Cuba.
Trump follows in Monroe's footsteps
Under the Monroe Doctrine, Trump also deployed troops to the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, citing drug trafficking as the reason. Military action against Venezuela, including the potential arrest of Maduro and issuing ultimatums to other countries, are also part of the Monroe Doctrine.
