Sensemaker Which countries in Latin America might Trump target next?
Jan 7, 2026
Christopher Sabatini, a senior research fellow at Chatham House and an expert on Latin American politics, dives into Trump's aggressive strategy in the region. He discusses the implications of Trump's focus on Venezuela and how it links to potential targets like Colombia and Cuba. Sabatini warns against the dangerous precedent set by using military raids as policy tools, highlighting the shift towards Monroe Doctrine-style interventionism. Regional reactions are varied, highlighting a fractured response to U.S. actions and their impact on sovereignty.
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Smash-And-Grab As A New Policy Tool
- The US operation in Venezuela was a targeted seizure that decapitated the regime without full regime change.
- Christopher Sabatini warns Trump may treat such 'smash and grab' moves as a repeatable policy tool.
Monroe Doctrine Resurfacing
- The Trump administration is reasserting a Monroe Doctrine–style sphere of influence in the Western Hemisphere.
- Officials frame this as restoring American dominance and excluding extra-hemispheric influences like Russia, China and Iran.
Region Divided By Ideology
- Latin American reactions split largely along ideological lines to the Venezuela operation.
- Some governments praised the move while others condemned it as a dangerous breach of sovereignty.