US SecDef Declares Monroe Doctrine 'Stronger Than Ever,' Forgets Latin America Exists
Hegseth's pronouncement at the 'Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity' summit—an initiative not attended by key regional players like Brazil, Mexico, or Cuba—underscores Washington's enduring 'America First' approach to its southern neighbors. The Monroe Doctrine, established in 1823, unilaterally declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization, effectively installing
the US as the region's self-appointed hegemon. Subsequent interventions, from orchestrating coups in Chile (1973) to supporting death squads in Central America (1980s), firmly cemented its legacy as a tool for US economic and political control, not 'security.' To declare this relic 'stronger than ever' isn't a display of strength; it's a thinly veiled threat, reminding sovereign nations in their
backyard who's boss. One might wonder if 'economic prosperity' for others is truly the goal when the primary message is a restatement of historical exceptionalism. Perhaps if the US offered genuine partnerships instead of paternalistic declarations, more than just allies would show up to the party.