The Indicator from Planet Money Why Trump resurrected the Monroe Doctrine
34 snips
Jan 15, 2026 The revival of the Monroe Doctrine is explored, revealing its transformation from anti-imperialist roots to a tool for U.S. intervention. The hosts discuss how Trump’s version, dubbed the Donroe Doctrine, emphasizes spheres of influence rather than global cooperation. Key motives behind U.S. actions in Venezuela are linked to oil supplies, while Trump's fixation on low oil prices and interest rates comes to light. The discussion also highlights the risks of intervention and the significant historical context of U.S. policies in the region.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Monroe Was A One-Line Warning
- The original Monroe Doctrine was a casual presidential message, not law or an immediate policy pillar.
- James Monroe warned European powers to stop expanding in the Western Hemisphere without specifying U.S. actions.
From Warning To Warranted Intervention
- Later presidents turned Monroe into a justification for U.S. imperial action and intervention.
- James Polk and Theodore Roosevelt repurposed the idea to expand and police American influence in the hemisphere.
Donroe Means Spheres Of Influence
- The Trump 'Donroe' Doctrine reframes U.S. policy toward spheres of influence over the Americas.
- It signals a shift away from multilateral post-1945 cooperation toward assertive regional control.