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the “Donroe Doctrine”: Trump’s Foreign Policy and a Shift from the Monroe Doctrine
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Published January 4, 2026, at 02:45:30 AM PST
Analysis of former President Donald Trump‘s foreign policy suggests a departure from the conventional Monroe Doctrine, characterized by a more transactional and power-based approach, dubbed the “Donroe doctrine” by Sankei News.
Understanding the Monroe Doctrine
The monroe Doctrine, articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, asserted that European powers should no longer colonize or interfere with the newly self-reliant nations of the Americas. It became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, aiming to establish American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. the doctrine evolved over time, often used to justify U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs, sometimes to the detriment of regional sovereignty. The U.S. Department of State provides a detailed ancient overview of the doctrine.
The Emergence of the “donroe Doctrine”
Sankei News argues that trump’s foreign policy, marked by unilateralism, protectionism, and a focus on “america First,” represents a significant break from the Monroe Doctrine’s underlying principles.Rather of promoting regional stability and cooperation, Trump prioritized bilateral deals and exerted pressure on countries to align with U.S. interests, often through economic coercion. This approach, the article suggests, reflects a “worldview of the fittest,” prioritizing national power and self-interest above all else.
Key characteristics of what Sankei News terms the “Donroe Doctrine” include:
- Transactionalism: Foreign policy viewed as a series of deals, with each nation assessed based on its immediate benefit to the United States.
- Unilateralism: A preference for acting alone, rather than through international alliances or organizations.
- Economic leverage: Using trade and economic sanctions as primary tools of foreign policy.
- Skepticism of Alliances: Questioning the value of long-standing alliances like NATO and questioning commitments to international agreements.
Examples of the “Donroe Doctrine” in Practice
Several instances during the Trump governance illustrate this shift. His renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) demonstrated a willingness to disrupt established trade relationships to secure more favorable terms for the U.S.Similarly, his imposition of tariffs on goods from China and other countries was aimed at reducing trade deficits and protecting American industries, even at the risk of escalating trade tensions.
In Latin America,the Trump administration took a hard line on issues like immigration and drug trafficking,often threatening economic sanctions against countries that did not cooperate with U.S. demands. This approach contrasted with the more collaborative approach often favored under previous administrations.
Comparison: Monroe Doctrine vs. “Donroe Doctrine”
| Feature | Monroe Doctrine | “donroe Doctrine” |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Regional stability and preventing European interference in the Americas | advancing U.S. national interests, often through unilateral action |
| Approach to Alliances | Generally supportive of alliances to achieve common goals | Skeptical of alliances; preference for bilateral deals |
| Use of Economic Power | Economic influence used to promote regional cooperation | Economic leverage used to exert pressure and secure concessions |
| Underlying Philosophy | Promoting democracy and free trade (often rhetorically) | Transactionalism and prioritizing national self-interest |