The Monroe Doctrine, a cornerstone of American foreign policy, has been misconstrued by President Trump, who seems to have taken a page from Bad Bunny's book. While Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance celebrated the diversity of the Americas, Trump's interpretation of the doctrine has led to a controversial and aggressive stance. But here's where it gets controversial... Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' is a repackaged version of the Monroe Doctrine, which was originally a plea for self-determination and pan-American solidarity, not dominance. The original doctrine, crafted by John Quincy Adams, aimed to support the democratic development of South American nations, free from European interference. It was a call for mutual respect and non-intervention, not a military threat. However, Trump's 'America First' policy and his repackaging of the doctrine have led to a sense of anxiety over foreign domination in the hemisphere. This is despite the fact that the Monroe Doctrine was never intended to be a military threat, but rather a statement of mutual understanding and respect. The current version of the doctrine has been stretched beyond recognition, with its original principles of democracy and self-determination replaced by a focus on strength and dominance. This is where most people miss the point... The Monroe Doctrine was not about bullying other superpowers out of the western hemisphere, but about fostering a sense of unity and mutual support among the nations of the Americas. So, while Trump may have his own interpretation, it's important to remember the original doctrine and its principles of self-determination and pan-American solidarity. And this is the part most people miss... The Monroe Doctrine was a call for a new order, one that respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, and promoted a world of greater freedom and rights. It was a doctrine that sought to build bridges, not walls. And that's the real lesson for us today.
