U.S. Department of State invokes Monroe Doctrine in new video

The United States Department of State has released a video that links the historical 1823 Monroe Doctrine to recent actions in Latin America, specifically citing the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January. The video portrays the United States as a regional power and suggests a continuity of American influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Critics argue that this messaging represents a shift toward a “regional dominance structure” and an imperialist approach that distorts the original intent of James Monroe, which was to prevent European recolonization rather than to establish American tutelage over neighboring nations. This reassertion of influence has prompted concerns regarding sovereignty in Latin American countries, with Brazil reportedly considering increased military spending in response to the shifting geopolitical landscape.