Introduction
The recent military incursion of the United States into Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, has opened a new chapter in US foreign policy. This event, which took place on January 3, has been interpreted by experts as the consolidation of what is now being called the “Donroe Doctrine,” a blend of Donald Trump’s name and the historical Monroe Doctrine, now applied through direct military actions, even at the cost of violating international law.
What is the “Donroe Doctrine” and why does it cause alarm?
According to an article published in the UNAM Gaceta, Juan Carlos Barrón Pastor, director of the Center for North American Studies (CISAN) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, states that what happened in Venezuela is an example of decisions made without considering their consequences. He argues that the immediate effectiveness of the operation was treated as an end in itself, despite the “political and legal disaster” it left behind.
Barrón Pastor warns that this doctrine is particularly dangerous because it could lead to the dismantling of NATO, as well as weakening the Organization of American States and the United Nations, pillars of the multilateral system.
Regional Threats and the Mexican Case
Following the operation in Caracas, Trump once again hinted at possible actions against the cartels operating in Mexico. However, the CISAN director emphasizes that the Mexican situation is different from Venezuela’s: Mexico has strong links with other countries and international organizations, as well as a diplomatic prestige that places it in a less vulnerable position.
Despite this, the specialist considers it indispensable to maintain proactive diplomacy and permanent dialogue channels with Washington, as the intervention in Venezuela demonstrates that to Trump “it doesn’t matter to flagrantly violate international legality.”
Above the Law: Internal Implications in the United States
Barrón Pastor also highlights that Trump acted without informing the US Congress, reinforcing the perception that he considers himself above the law. This pattern is not new: the scholar recalled the tariffs imposed last year under a state of emergency, which led to lawsuits from companies like Costco. If the courts invalidate these measures, the US government could be forced to return already collected funds.
Strength or Symptom of Political Weakness?
On the internal front, various media and Democratic politicians have pointed out that the Venezuelan operation could serve as a smokescreen for Trump’s legal and image problems, including his link to the Jeffrey Epstein sexual assault case and his falling popularity.
For Barrón Pastor, the media impact of the Venezuelan coup will be fleeting and could reveal more than strength, a “signal of weakness.” In a crucial year marked by the review of the trade agreement between Mexico, the US, and Canada, the World Cup, and tariff tensions, the specialist’s call is clear: calm, informed debate, and active diplomacy to carefully observe how events unfold.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “Donroe Doctrine”? It’s a term coined by experts to describe the US foreign policy under Trump, which involves direct military interventions in other countries, as demonstrated by the attempted capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
- Why is the “Donroe Doctrine” causing alarm? Critics, like Juan Carlos Barrón Pastor from UNAM, warn that this doctrine could disrupt international organizations and violate international law, potentially leading to a more unstable global order.
- How does the Venezuelan situation differ from Mexico’s? While Venezuela faces direct US military intervention, Mexico has stronger international ties and diplomatic prestige, making it less vulnerable to such actions.
- What are the internal implications of Trump’s actions in Venezuela? Trump’s decision to act without Congressional approval suggests he believes himself above the law, which could have broader implications for US domestic and international relations.
- Is the “Donroe Doctrine” a sign of strength or weakness for Trump? Some experts, like Barrón Pastor, believe it could be a symptom of political weakness, as Trump attempts to divert attention from his own legal and image problems.
