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News Topical, Digital Desk : Following the attack on Venezuela, US President Donald Trump invoked the "Monroe Doctrine" in a statement. This 200-year-old doctrine was once a key part of US foreign policy. Over the past two centuries, the US has repeatedly used this doctrine to tighten its grip on other countries.
Justifying the America First policy, Trump said, “The Monroe Doctrine also said the same thing. According to the National Security Strategy, America should be dominant in Western countries. For decades, previous governments ignored this, which put our security in danger. But now we are taking steps towards making America strong again.”
What is the Monroe Doctrine?
A new doctrine of foreign policy emerged during the tenure of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. During his tenure from 1817 to 1825, Monroe introduced the Monroe Doctrine to counter European dominance over Western nations. Its aim was not only to reduce European interference but also to establish American dominance in the world.
It was used against Europe.
In an 1823 speech to Parliament, Monroe declared that Europe would not interfere in the affairs of any Western nations that had achieved independence. In return, the United States promised to refrain from interfering in European wars and internal affairs.
This was a time when Latin American countries had gained independence. Monroe wanted to ensure that Europe could never again gain control over any country and that the entire continent would remain under the sole authority of the United States.
America's eye on Venezuela
Sexton, author of "The Monroe Doctrine: Empire and Nation in Nineteenth-Century America," says, “Venezuela has always been at the center of the Monroe Doctrine. Venezuela's relations with many countries have been strained since the 19th century. Venezuela has often sought friendship with countries hostile to the United States. European countries were also initially interested in Venezuela, but since the Monroe Doctrine was implemented, the United States has held sway here for nearly two centuries.”
Crisis averted even in the Cold War
In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt called for US government intervention to stabilize Latin America. Even during the Cold War, the Monroe Doctrine averted the Cuban crisis of 1962. At the US request, the Soviet Union (Russia) removed nuclear missiles from Cuba.
Trump follows Monroe's lead
Under the Monroe Doctrine, Trump has also deployed troops to the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean, accusing them of drug trafficking. Military action against Venezuela, including the arrest of Maduro and the ultimatums issued to other countries, are also part of the Monroe Doctrine.
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