Definition

Proper noun: * A U.S. foreign policy principle: The Monroe Doctrine is a principle of United States foreign policy, first articulated in 1823 by President James Monroe. It declared that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to new colonization by European powers and that any attempt by a European nation to interfere with or oppress independent nations in the Americas would be viewed as an unfriendly act toward the United States. In return, the U.S. pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of European nations or their existing colonies.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Monroe Doctrine shaped U.S. relations with Latin America for over a century.
  • President Roosevelt cited the Monroe Doctrine to justify intervention in the region.
  • The policy was a clear statement that the Americas were within the U.S. sphere of influence.

Advanced Usage

• "to invoke the Monroe Doctrine": To formally appeal to or cite this policy as justification for an action or position.
  • The senator argued that the nation should invoke the Monroe Doctrine in response to the foreign military exercises.
• "a Monroe Doctrine for the [modern era/digital age/etc.]": A metaphorical use suggesting a modern policy of asserting exclusive influence or opposition to outside interference in a specific domain.
  • Some analysts call the new cyber strategy a Monroe Doctrine for the digital frontier.

Variants and Related Words

• Roosevelt Corollary (Proper noun): A 1904 addition to the Monroe Doctrine by President Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the right of the United States to intervene militarily in Latin American nations to stabilize their economies and preempt European intervention.
• Hemispheric defense (Noun phrase): A related concept emphasizing the collective security of the Americas, often linked to interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine.

Synonyms

• Non-intervention principle (in the Western Hemisphere): A descriptive phrase capturing a core tenet of the doctrine.
• Hemispheric policy: A broader term for U.S. strategic policy toward the Americas.

Related Phrases

• "America for the Americans": A popular, simplified summation of the doctrine's intent, though not the official language.
• "Hands off the New World": A colloquial expression reflecting the doctrine's warning to European powers.

Noun

1. an American foreign policy opposing interference in the western hemisphere from outside powers