The administration of Donald Trump announced a new national strategy that, according to analysts, revives the principles of the Monroe Doctrine, originally formulated in 1823. The central message remains clear: the United States will not accept external interference in Latin America and intends to reaffirm its regional hegemony. Consequently, the initiative reignites debates about sovereignty, dependency, and hemispheric geopolitics.

What the Monroe Doctrine Means

The Monroe Doctrine emerged in the 19th century as a response to European presence in the Americas. Its slogan, “America for the Americans,” consolidated the idea that the continent should remain under U.S. influence. Now, by reviving this discourse, Trump signals his intention to limit the presence of powers such as China and Russia in the region, while strengthening strategic alliances and pressuring governments considered hostile. Therefore, the doctrine’s revival carries both symbolic and practical weight.

Immediate Impacts

According to experts cited by Veja, the new strategy may generate diplomatic tensions with Latin American countries that maintain strong commercial ties with Beijing and Moscow. Moreover, progressive governments in the region interpret the measure as an attempt at indirect intervention in domestic affairs. On the other hand, close allies of Washington view the initiative as an opportunity to expand investments and military cooperation. Thus, the strategy divides perceptions across the hemisphere.

Brazil and the Challenge of Autonomy

For Brazil, the revival of the Monroe Doctrine represents a dilemma. On one hand, the country depends heavily on trade with China, its largest economic partner. On the other hand, it must maintain dialogue with the United States to preserve defense and technological cooperation agreements. As a result, the new American strategy pressures Brazil to balance divergent interests in an increasingly polarized international scenario.

What Is at Stake

• Regional geopolitics: Latin America once again becomes a stage for disputes among global powers.
• Economy: Countries must evaluate the risks of aligning exclusively with Washington or Beijing.
• Sovereignty: The revival of the Monroe Doctrine reignites criticism of U.S. imperialism.
• Security: Military cooperation may increase, but it could also generate strategic dependency.

Critical Conclusion

Trump’s new strategy, by reviving the Monroe Doctrine, places Latin America back at the center of global competition. Although the discourse reinforces multilateralism under U.S. leadership, it also exposes regional fragilities and sovereignty limitations. Therefore, the challenge for Latin American countries will be to build autonomous foreign policies, capable of engaging with different powers without becoming dependent on a single sphere of influence.

CTA: Want to understand how U.S. geopolitics impacts Latin America? Discover other articles by Pedro Freitas and deepen your critical analysis.

Source: Veja