Donald Trump has revived a very familiar geopolitical vision one that’s been aggressively modernized. His strategy in Latin America, labeled by analysts as the “Donroe Doctrine,” blends diplomatic incentives with sanctions, military pressure, and transactional diplomacy in an effort to restore Washington’s influence in the region and curb the expansion of rival powers like China.

What Is the Monroe Doctrine?

To understand the current approach, we must go back to the Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President James Monroe in 1823. In his message to Congress, Monroe declared that the Western Hemisphere should remain free from European interference: any attempt by European powers to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries would be considered a hostile act by the United States.

Over time, that idea evolved. The Monroe Doctrine shifted from a principle meant to keep Europe out of the Americas to a tool of U.S. power used to justify military, economic, or diplomatic intervention in Latin America whenever Washington deemed its security or interests to be at risk.

Trump’s “Donroe Doctrine”

Under Trump, this old doctrine has resurfaced with a renewed focus: it’s not just about excluding European powers, but actively maintaining dominance in Latin America amid rising global competition. This new version dubbed the Donroe Doctrine combines:

Selective rewards for political allies, such as financial aid, investments, or diplomatic visits.

Coercive pressure: sanctions, migration or economic restrictions, security campaigns, and even military operations with a more visible presence in the region.

A “hemispheric security” narrative: Washington claims a privileged role in determining which Latin American governments are acceptable and which pose a threat if they align with China or other external actors.

According to experts, Trump’s policy not only strengthens governments aligned with Washington but penalizes those seeking autonomy or diversifying their partnerships. At the same time, it deepens long-standing geopolitical practices of dependency and subordination.

Why It Matters

The resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine under this new push isn’t merely symbolic it represents a real restructuring of power in Latin America. For some countries, embracing the Donroe model means gaining support, security, or investment. For others, it means losing strategic autonomy.

Moreover, this doctrine reinforces a logic of hegemonic control in the region, highlighting the historic dilemma between cooperation and sovereignty. Some analysts warn that Trump’s strategy could weaken local democratic institutions by turning aid into a bargaining chip for political loyalty rather than a tool to strengthen rights or the rule of law.