Analysts say Washington’s reported capture of Nicolás Maduro has helped crystallize a so-called 'Donroe Doctrine' that prioritizes U.S. policing of its hemisphere. A recent strategy paper and concurrent pressure on Colombia, Cuba and Mexico are viewed as efforts to curb rival influence in Latin America. While some warned China might copy the tactic with Taiwan, scholars argue Beijing acts on its own strategic calculations rather than emulating U.S. actions.
Maduro Capture Fuels 'Donroe Doctrine' Debate: U.S. Focuses on Hemisphere Policing
Analysts say Washington’s reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has crystallized a new 'Donroe Doctrine' — a U.S. foreign-policy posture centered on policing the Western Hemisphere and preserving regional influence.
Context
A landmark U.S. strategy paper published last month emphasized American superiority in the Americas. The reported ouster of Maduro came alongside heightened pressure and threats directed at Colombia, Cuba and Mexico — steps an Atlantic Council fellow characterized as efforts to limit rival influence across Latin America.
Debate Over Global Implications
Some commentators suggested China might view the Venezuela operation as a template for action against Taiwan. A Brookings Institution scholar, however, called that comparison misleading.
Brookings Scholar: "Beijing already employs coercive and asymmetric tactics toward Taipei. Any significant strategic shift would arise from China’s own risk calculations and objectives, not from 'inspiration' drawn from U.S. actions."
Implications
The episode highlights a renewed U.S. emphasis on regional dominance and has sparked debate about the limits of drawing direct analogies between interventions in different geopolitical contexts. Observers warn the move could deepen competition for influence in Latin America while underscoring that China’s decisions on Taiwan will be driven by its own strategic logic.
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