White House Revives Monroe Doctrine in New Security Strategy Focused on the Americas

Overview

• The 33-page strategy, published Dec. 5, introduces a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine and sets five regional goals: deter mass migration, counter transnational crime, block hostile incursions, protect critical supply chains, and secure access to strategic locations.
• The document formalizes a military realignment with expanded Coast Guard and Navy roles, targeted deployments to protect the border, and authorization of lethal force against cartels, with reporting of about 15,000 personnel already deployed and 22 suspected drug boats destroyed.
• Washington vows to reward governments and movements aligned with U.S. aims, condition aid on reducing outside influence, and instruct officials to help U.S. companies win business, including pursuit of exclusive supply contracts.
• The strategy states the U.S. will prevent external competitors from positioning forces or controlling vital assets in the hemisphere, aligning with recent pressure on port and infrastructure deals such as those tied to Panama.
• European pushback followed sharp language in the document about a potential “civilizational extinction,” with Germany, Belgium and Italy criticizing the tone, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reaffirmed the U.S. as a key ally and urged Europe to rely more on its own power against Russia.