The Monroe Doctrine and Its Modern Application

Travis Giragosian

12/2/14

F Block History

The Monroe Doctrine and Its Modern Application

            James Monroe is not the most memorable President of the United States. However, he passed one act that was not only revolutionary at the time; but is still (or at least should be) in effect today- The Monroe Doctrine. This was a speech (and an act passed) given by James Monroe that outlined the policies of the US in foreign affairs. There are three lasting principles of the Doctrine, which are as follows:

1.      Separate spheres of influence- the Americas and Europe will not try to become part of each other.

2.      Non-colonization- there will be no new colonies in the Americas (though the not-yet-independent colonies can remain as they are).

3.      Non-intervention- the Americas will not intervene with Europe’s problems, and Europe will do likewise with the Americas.

After the creation of the Monroe Doctrine, any violation of these principles would be considered a threat to US security. However, the document was very controversial, as it went directly against the Old World ideals of the Congress of Vienna and Europe, which were founded mostly on the hope for success based on a autocratic and monarchic society. But the US upheld the Doctrine anyway.

            Foreign policy is something that is constantly being tested, especially in such a country as America, where democracy is the way of life. The news is filled with stories of the US’s involvement (or lack thereof) in foreign affairs. Perhaps the best example of this can be found in the drug wars going on in Mexico, our southern neighbor. Truthout, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the word on social injustice and bringing nonpartisan views to light, published an article about this that directly explains the US’s involvement in the drug wars. The Truthout article says that the US is heavily involved in the Mexican drug wars for several reasons, the main one being that we have sent the Mexican government over $100 million per year in military and police assistance, as well as world-class warfare. The US has also been vying for the extradition (the right to move the trial to another country) to the US of Mexican drug lord El Chapo, who founded the Sinaloa Drug Cartel. This shows that the US is in pretty deep.

            According to the Monroe Doctrine, the US should not be doing these things. The “Separate Spheres of Influence” principle is broken in that the US has sent plenty of people to Mexico, many of whom have even been disguised as Mexican marines for lengthy periods of time, according to the Truthout article. The “Non-colonization” principle has not necessarily been broken, although some could argue otherwise. However, the “Non-intervention” principle has not only been broken, it has been shattered, stepped on, and swept into the dust pan. The United States has interfered to a high degree in the Mexican army, sending highly dangerous tactical weapons that send Mexican intelligence many years into the future. This is not to mention the many US government officials who have become involved in the drug trade, “over 1000”, according to the article.

            If the US keeps on violating its own laws like this, our foreign policy methods will become even more flawed. We need to look at the Monroe Doctrine, flawed as it may be, for inspiration in how to handle affairs in other countries. The Mexican drug wars are only one example of this.

Lasusa, Mike, and Angelika Albaladejo. "US Support for Mexico's Drug War Goes Beyond Guns and Money." Truthout. Truthout, 1 Dec. 2014. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. .