Trump revives centuries-old doctrine that shaped US-Cuba relations

President Donald Trump is invoking the centuries-old Monroe Doctrine, a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, to underscore American dominance in the Western Hemisphere. This revival of the 19th-century policy signals a potential shift in U.S. engagement with the region, particularly concerning Cuba.

The Monroe Doctrine, first articulated in 1823, declared the Americas off-limits to further European colonization. While initially conceived as a defensive measure, subsequent U.S. administrations have interpreted it more broadly, using it as a justification for asserting U.S. influence and intervening in the affairs of Latin American nations. This has led to its dual perception as both a "defensive shield" and an "imperial sword."

Recent actions suggest a renewed focus on Cuba, aligning with Trump's stated ambitions. These include at least 25 U.S. Navy and Air Force intelligence-gathering flights around the island since February 4. Additionally, on May 21, the U.S. indicted former Cuban president Raúl Castro on murder charges, signaling a more assertive stance.

Trump's rhetoric has been direct, suggesting a willingness to use military presence to compel change. His comments about the USS Abraham Lincoln stopping offshore Cuba and demanding surrender illustrate this assertive approach. The revival of the Monroe Doctrine provides a historical framework for such actions, potentially shaping future U.S. policy in the region.

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Cuba has got problems. On the way back from Iran, … we'll have [the USS Abraham Lincoln] come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they'll say, 'Thank you very much. We give up'.