For decades, Latin America has been viewed as the United States' backyard; however, Washington has recently redefined it as its front yard. The new U.S. National Security Strategy calls for collaboration with countries in the region to control migration and counter China's influence.

As noted by the Spanish newspaper El País, two centuries after the Monroe Doctrine, which initiated U.S. interventions primarily against leftist governments, this policy has resurfaced with distinguishing features from the Trump era. The Monroe Doctrine, announced by President James Monroe in 1823, aimed to prevent European interference in the Americas while expanding U.S. influence.

A current example of this doctrine is the U.S. military campaign surrounding Venezuela, alongside pressure and interference in elections to support aligned governments in a highly polarized region. The White House has humorously termed this approach "Trump's link to the Monroe Doctrine," coining it "Donro Doctrine" by combining Donald Trump's surname with Monroe's.

The U.S. views Latin America as a source of significant challenges and expects cooperation to achieve its goals, which include dramatically reducing migration, combating cartels and transnational crime, and limiting Chinese investments in the region. These objectives will pursue both economic encouragement and pressure, with the U.S. Navy expected to maintain a long-term presence in the Caribbean near Venezuela.

The National Security Strategy outlines Washington's aim for a stable and well-managed Western Hemisphere, controlling high migration levels, combating drug trafficking and transnational crime, protecting the region from foreign adversaries, and ensuring access to strategic areas.

El País emphasizes that the primary focus currently is Venezuela, where various U.S. interests converge: abundant natural resources, transnational crime, mass migration, an ideologically opposing regime, and strong ties to China and Russia. Nicolás Maduro, viewed as illegitimate by Washington and many regional powers post the fraudulent elections in July 2024, is at the center of this strategy.

The new strategy's content is unsurprising; Trump's return to power has sparked accusations of neo-imperialism, echoing the Monroe Doctrine known for its hegemonic tendencies in the region. In January, the U.S. President even threatened to forcefully reclaim control of the Panama Canal.

Under Marco Rubio's leadership as a "anti-communist hawk," the government's increasing focus on Latin America has become evident. Recent actions resemble a new version of diplomacy enforced by warships.

According to El País, the first real test of this new strategy will unfold in Venezuela. The collapse of Chavism would provide Trump with valuable domestic political advantages, especially in places like Florida. This idea, closely associated with Rubio, could create a domino effect among authoritarian leftist regimes across the region. Should Venezuela fall under U.S. influence, intervention would legitimize any new regime, followed by potential actions in Nicaragua and eventually, the "jewel in the crown," Cuba.