How the Monroe Doctrine factors into US arrest of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Monroe Doctrine (1823): A US foreign policy principle opposing European colonialism in the Americas. Initially a “hands-off” policy, it evolved into a US role of policing the Western Hemisphere.
• Donro Doctrine: Donald Trump’s asserted extension or superseding of the Monroe Doctrine, emphasizing US control and exclusion of foreign influence in the Americas.
• Sovereignty: The concept of a nation-state having supreme power or authority within its own borders.
• UN Charter: The founding document of the United Nations, outlining principles of international law and permissible uses of force.
• Rules-Based International Order: A system of international relations based on agreed-upon norms, laws, and institutions, established post-WWII.

The Evolution and Reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine & the Emergence of the “Donro Doctrine”

The discussion centers on the re-emergence of the Monroe Doctrine in US foreign policy, specifically in the context of Venezuela and potential future actions under the Trump administration. The core principle of the Monroe Doctrine, originating in 1823 with President James Monroe, was to prevent European powers from establishing new colonies in the Americas. Initially a policy of non-interference, it later transformed under President Roosevelt into a more interventionist approach, positioning the US as a regional police force.

Venezuela as a Case Study

Donald Trump’s actions regarding Venezuela are presented as a direct invocation of the Monroe Doctrine, even termed the “Donro Doctrine” by Trump himself. The White House’s national security strategy explicitly states a desire for a “hemisphere that remains free of hostile foreign incursion or ownership of key assets,” and ensuring “continued access to key strategic locations.” Trump accused Venezuela of harboring “foreign adversaries,” justifying potential intervention.

However, the situation in Venezuela differs significantly from past US interventions, such as the 1989 intervention in Panama under President George H.W. Bush. While both involved the removal of a leader accused of wrongdoing (Manuel Noriega in Panama, Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela), key distinctions exist:

• US Presence: The US had a pre-existing military presence in Panama due to the Panama Canal, unlike Venezuela.
• Diplomatic Presence: The US currently lacks a diplomatic presence in Venezuela, making Trump’s statements about “running” the country particularly noteworthy.
• Declaration of War: Noriega’s legislature declared war on the US, which hasn’t occurred in Venezuela.
• Sovereignty: The US attempted to maintain the appearance of Panamanian sovereignty by installing a friendly government, a nuance absent in Trump’s rhetoric.
• Scale: Venezuela is significantly larger than Panama (ten times the size), making intervention a far more complex undertaking.

Potential Implications & Expansion of the Doctrine

The discussion extends beyond Venezuela to consider the potential implications of the “Donro Doctrine” for other countries in the Western Hemisphere, including Greenland, Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. Trump has made threats towards these nations, raising concerns about a broader US policy of control over the region and its resources, and actively excluding influence from countries like China and Russia.

This shift represents a “huge shift” and a potential “breakdown of the rules-based world order” established after World War I and II, which led to the creation of the United Nations. The UN Charter generally prohibits the use of force by one country against another except in self-defense or with UN Security Council approval – conditions not met in the case of Venezuela.

During a UN session, the US ambassador defended Trump’s actions, stating the US “is not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be used as a base of operation for our nation’s adversaries and competitors and rivals of the United States.” This statement underscores the intent to not only police but potentially control the region.

International Law & Concerns

The analysis highlights the likely illegality of the US actions in Venezuela under international law and a violation of the UN Charter. This raises concerns internationally, particularly among nations like Russia and China, who also seek to assert influence within their respective spheres. The potential for escalating tensions and a challenge to the established international order is a significant concern.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump: “All of these actions were in gross violation of the core principles of American foreign policy…And not anymore. All the way back it dated to the Monroe Doctrines. And the Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we've superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the Donro document.”
• US Ambassador at the UN: “This is the Western Hemisphere. This is where we live. And we're not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be used as a base of operation for our nation's adversaries and competitors and rivals of the United States.”
• Monty Francis: “When you talk about the breakdown of the rules-based world order established after World War I and World War II…the whole reason the United Nations was established, the basic idea being that one country couldn't invade another country and then depose its president.”

Synthesis/Conclusion

The reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine, now framed as the “Donro Doctrine,” signals a potentially dramatic shift in US foreign policy towards the Americas. This policy prioritizes US control and influence, potentially at the expense of international law and the established rules-based international order. While presented as a defense against foreign adversaries, the implications extend to a broader ambition of regional dominance, raising concerns about sovereignty, legality, and the potential for escalating global tensions. The case of Venezuela serves as a critical example, highlighting the differences between past interventions and the current, more assertive approach under the Trump administration.