On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted a military strike in Venezuela, leading to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking charges. President Donald Trump invoked the 1823 Monroe Doctrine to justify the action, rebranding it as the "Donroe Doctrine" in the US National Security Strategy released in December 2025. This marks a bold reassertion of US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, aimed at countering foreign influences like China and Russia, sparking international condemnation and debates on sovereignty and great power competition.
What is the Monroe Doctrine and Its Original Purpose?
The Monroe Doctrine was announced by US President James Monroe in 1823 during his address to Congress: It warned European powers against further colonization or interference in the independent nations of the Western Hemisphere, which includes North and South America.
Original context stemmed from the wave of Latin American independence movements in the early 19th century: Countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela had broken free from Spanish and Portuguese rule, and the US wanted to prevent Europe from reclaiming control or establishing new colonies.
In return, the US promised not to interfere in European affairs or existing colonies: This was meant to establish the Americas as a sphere of US influence, promoting republicanism over monarchy, though the US lacked military power to enforce it initially, relying on British naval support.
Key principle was non-intervention by external powers: It positioned the US as a protector of hemispheric sovereignty, but over time, it evolved into a tool for US dominance in the region.
How Has the Monroe Doctrine Evolved Over Time?
Theodore Roosevelt's Corollary in 1904 expanded it to justify US interventions: Roosevelt argued the US could act as an "international police power" in unstable Latin American countries to prevent European involvement, leading to actions like supporting Panama's secession from Colombia for the Panama Canal.
During the Cold War, it was used against communism: Presidents like John F. Kennedy invoked it during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis to demand Soviet missile removal, while Ronald Reagan cited it to oppose leftist governments in Nicaragua and Grenada, leading to the 1983 invasion of Grenada.
Post-Cold War decline in use: The doctrine faded as the US focused on global terrorism and economic globalization, with interventions like the 1989 Panama invasion (removing Manuel Noriega) being the last direct regime change until 2026.
Criticisms include hypocrisy and imperialism: Latin American nations often viewed it as a cover for US economic exploitation, such as in the "Banana Wars" where US troops protected American business interests in Central America.
What is Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' and How Does It Revive the Monroe Doctrine?
Trump rebranded it as the "Donroe Doctrine" in his National Security Strategy: This modern version asserts "American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned," aiming to exclude "non-hemispheric competitors" like China and Russia from controlling strategic assets.
Focus on hemispheric preeminence: The NSS commits to keeping the region free of hostile foreign incursions, ensuring US access to key locations like ports and resources, and using military action if needed, as seen in Venezuela.
Shift from past restraint: After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, direct interventions were avoided, but Trump's policy signals a return to assertive hegemony, blending the original Monroe warning with Roosevelt's interventionism.
Rationale includes security and economy: Trump highlighted Venezuela hosting foreign adversaries (like Russia and Iran) and acquiring offensive weapons, violating US principles, while emphasizing control over Venezuela's vast oil reserves for energy stability.
What Led to the US Military Intervention in Venezuela in January 2026?
Background of tensions: Venezuela under Maduro faced US sanctions since 2017 over human rights, democracy, and drug trafficking, reducing oil production from 2.5 million to under 0.4 million barrels per day.
Drug charges against Maduro: In 2020, the US indicted Maduro for narco-terrorism, accusing him of conspiring with cartels, a pretext revived in 2026 amid claims of Venezuela allowing foreign bases and weapons.
The January 3 strike: US forces conducted a operation capturing Maduro, justified as protecting US interests from "menacing offensive weapons" and foreign influences, plunging Venezuela into chaos.
Immediate aftermath: Trump stated the US would temporarily manage Venezuela until a new leader is installed, marking the first direct regime change in Latin America since 1989.
How Has China Responded to the US Action in Venezuela?
Diplomatic condemnation: China called it a "hegemonic act" violating sovereignty, advising citizens to avoid Venezuela but offering no military aid, reflecting limited projection capabilities.
Economic stakes at risk: With $67 billion invested since 2007, mostly in oil, and 90% of Venezuelan exports going to China, Beijing urged respect for international law but prioritized US trade deals from late 2025.
Strategic hedging: China's Policy Paper on Latin America emphasizes multi-level ties through forums like CELAC, trade over $500 billion, and infrastructure to secure influence, viewing the strike as a test but not altering long-term plans.
Broader concerns: Analysts worry it sets precedents for coercion, potentially justifying Chinese actions elsewhere, though Beijing adapts by diversifying investments in Brazil and Chile.
What Are the Global Geopolitical Implications of This Revival?
Challenge to multilateralism: The action undermines UN principles, encouraging other powers to justify interventions, with risks of escalation in regions like the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea.
Impact on Latin America: Countries may hedge between US and China, with the Panama Canal as a flashpoint where Chinese ports could be seen as military threats under the NSS.
Extension to other areas: The logic applies to Greenland for minerals and Arctic routes, where China claims interests in global commons, clashing with US dominance claims.
Environmental and social costs: Venezuela's oil extraction causes pollution and displacement, with US control potentially prioritizing energy over local rights.
What Is India's Perspective on This Development?
Energy security concerns: India imports oil from Venezuela and relies on stable global prices; disruptions could raise costs, though diversified sources like Russia help mitigate.
Multipolar world view: India supports sovereignty and non-interference, aligning with BRICS partners like China, potentially criticizing US unilateralism in forums like the UN.
Strategic autonomy: As a Quad member, India balances US ties with independent policies, watching how this affects great power rivalry in the Indo-Pacific.
Opportunities and risks: Lower oil prices from increased Venezuelan supply benefit India, but heightened US-China tensions could impact trade and investments.
© 2026 Gaining Sun. All rights reserved.