The Monroe Doctrine is experiencing a resurgence. As it hits its 200th anniversary this month, this time-hallowed foreign-policy doctrine is once again at the forefront of discussions regarding Latin American policies. The principles laid out in the Monroe Doctrine have guided many U.S. presidents in their approach to the region, including Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
With the assassination of President William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, not quite 43, became the 26th and youngest President in the Nation's history. Roosevelt's presidency was marked by a strong sense of nationalism and a desire to assert American power on the world stage. His policies towards Latin America were often characterized by a "big stick" approach, using military intervention when deemed necessary to protect American interests.
His conviction that white men of European descent were innately superior informed his actions on matters from national parks to foreign policy. This belief also influenced his approach to Latin America, where he saw the region as a playground for American influence and expansion. Roosevelt was not afraid to use force to achieve his goals, as evidenced by his involvement in the Panama Canal project and the Mexican Revolution.
Key Points. Chinese influence in Latin America is growing. This poses a threat to vital US security interests in an underappreciated region. Both Roosevelt and Wilson recognized the importance of Latin America in the broader context of U.S. foreign policy. They sought to assert American dominance in the region and prevent the influence of other foreign powers, such as China, from gaining a foothold.
The Monroe Doctrine is the blueprint for returning to a realistic grand strategy that can preserve American liberty from threats. Roosevelt and Wilson both used the principles of the Monroe Doctrine to justify their actions in Latin America. They believed that the U.S. had a right to intervene in the affairs of its neighbors to maintain stability and protect American interests.
Former President Theodore Roosevelt's legacy includes a forward vision on the environment but racist attitudes toward Latinos and Asians. While Roosevelt was a pioneer in conservation efforts and environmental protection, his views on race were deeply problematic. He viewed Latin Americans and Asians as inferior to white Europeans, leading to policies that were often discriminatory and harmful.
While the Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels dealt with policy and Congressional matters, Franklin Roosevelt was left to deal with the business of diplomacy. Franklin Roosevelt, who would later become President himself, played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America. His approach was more diplomatic than his cousin Theodore's, focusing on economic and diplomatic initiatives rather than military intervention.
Obama's recent diplomacy in Syria and Russia could be described as “speak loudly and carry a little stick, or no stick at all.” Both Roosevelt and Wilson employed a mix of diplomacy and force in their Latin American policies. They understood the importance of projecting American power while also engaging in dialogue with regional leaders to achieve their goals.
In yet another curious twist in its long history, the Monroe Doctrine, which turned 200 on Saturday, is making an unexpected political resurgence. The principles of the Monroe Doctrine continue to shape U.S. foreign policy in Latin America to this day. Presidents like Roosevelt and Wilson drew on these principles to justify their actions in the region, leaving a lasting impact on the relationship between the U.S. and its southern neighbors.
