The Trump administration’s recent statements and actions rekindle the Monroe Doctrine and threaten the self-determination of peoples
The global scenario is going through a moment of serious tension. Under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, we have openly observed the return of a foreign policy based on force. This approach ignores fundamental diplomatic norms and prioritizes unilateral interests. Consequently, the sovereignty of several nations faces direct and worrying threats.
Recently, aboard Air Force One, Trump reaffirmed an aggressive stance. He declared complete control over Venezuela and claimed Greenland. This “hard line” places the corporate interests and national security of the United States above world peace. Indeed, the military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in 80 casualties, serves as a grim warning.
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The president sent a direct warning to interim leader Delcy Rodríguez. Trump stated that the US has full control of the country and unrestricted access to Venezuelan oil. Furthermore, he threatened Caracas with a second attack. Therefore, the American administration imposes brute force on democratic dialogue. This strategy destabilizes an entire region.
The issue of crude oil clearly appears as the driving force behind these interventions. Trump openly declared that American companies will intervene to rebuild the Venezuelan system. Meanwhile, deposed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife await trial in New York. This custodial justice raises serious questions about impartiality.
In response, Maduro Jr. called on the Venezuelan people to take to the streets. Despite Delcy Rodríguez’s willingness to take a conciliatory position, the White House maintains pressure. Certainly, this “aid” strategy hides the intention to control natural resources. Thus, a nation’s energy sovereignty becomes a bargaining chip.
The Trump administration does not limit its pressure to Venezuela alone. During his return to Washington, the president also threatened Colombia and Mexico. He mentioned a possible military mission in Colombia, similar to the one in Venezuela. This generated an immediate reaction from the Colombian army at the borders.
Furthermore, Claudia Sheinbaum’s Mexico came into the spotlight after refusing US troops. In the case of Cuba, the tone is one of economic contempt. Trump stated that the country is entering a “definitive collapse”. This stance completely ignores the human suffering caused by embargoes. Simultaneously, the president watches Iran and promises intervention. In short, the United States acts as a selective global police force.
The imperialist advance crossed the North Atlantic. Trump renewed his claim on Greenland. He justifies the need for the territory for “national security reasons”. According to the president, Denmark is unable to guarantee protection against Russian and Chinese ships. Furthermore, he claims that the European Union accepts American control.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reacted harshly. Polls indicate that Greenland residents firmly reject joining the United States. Therefore, Washington’s desire comes up against the popular will and the sovereignty of others. National security should not serve as an excuse for annexations in the 21st century.
In short, the actions of the current US administration represent a dangerous setback. They rekindle colonial practices disguised as realpolitik. The international community must, therefore, reaffirm its commitment to the self-determination of peoples. Multilateralism and international law remain the only antidotes against the return of the law of the strongest. Sovereignty is not a concession, but an inalienable right of all nations.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/01/08/forca-bruta-substitui-o-dialogo-na-diplomacia-dos-eua/
