Has U.S. Foreign Policy Shifted Toward Open Imperialism?
In early January 2026, the Trump administration carried out a dramatic military operation in Venezuela that shocked the world: U.S. forces bombed targets on Venezuelan soil, seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and brought them to the United States to face federal indictments. WOLA
This unprecedented action, a direct military strike against a sovereign nation’s capital, has revived fierce debate about the nature and direction of American global power, with critics warning that it marks a return to old-school imperialism rather than post-Cold War diplomacy. Axios
Supporters’ View: A Law-and-Order Internationalism
Supporters of the operation argue that the Maduro government’s long record of corruption, human rights abuses and narco-trafficking justified extraordinary measures. Trump officials framed the raid as the enforcement of longstanding U.S. law enforcement warrants against Maduro’s alleged crimes, rather than mere conquest. The American Council
To many in the U.S. and some right-leaning governments, this isn’t empire, it’s accountability for global criminals. They point out that historical U.S. interventions in the hemisphere have sometimes been welcomed by local regimes opposed to authoritarian rule. Vox
Critics’ View: A New Era of Gunboat Diplomacy
But the broader global reaction has been overwhelmingly critical. Leaders from Brazil, Mexico, China, France and others have condemned the use of force without United Nations authorization as a violation of international law and sovereignty, warning it sets a dangerous precedent. TIME
Many analysts describe this episode as a return to the era of “gunboat diplomacy,” where military might dictates political outcomes, a stark contrast to the post-World War II emphasis on multilateralism and norms. ABC News
Some see Trump’s rhetoric, including suggestions that similar actions could be taken against other countries such as Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and even Greenland, as reminiscent of historical imperial behavior and the old Monroe Doctrine’s logic of hemispheric dominance. Straight Arrow News+1
The “Donroe Doctrine” and Great Power Competition
Commentators have even coined terms like the “Donroe Doctrine”, a Trump-era twist on the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine that asserts U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere to describe this approach. TIME
Some experts argue it isn’t just about Latin America: the dramatic intervention signals a shift back toward great-power politics where control over resources (like Venezuela’s massive oil reserves) and strategic influence matter more than international law. The Guardian
This has prompted worries that similar logic could justify future U.S. military or political acts beyond the hemisphere, potentially reshaping global order along lines defined by the willingness to project force. The Times
What This Means for the World Order
1. Erosion of Established Norms
The U.S. action in Venezuela, unilateral, seemingly without clear legal backing from the United Nations or Congress has raised alarm about the weakening of international norms created after WWII to prevent exactly this sort of unilateral use of force. TIME
2. Polarized Global Reactions
While some U.S. allies and regional governments express hesitation or outright opposition, others see Maduro’s removal as a blow to an oppressive regime. This division highlights how differently countries view sovereignty, intervention, and regional stability. Axios
3. A New Geopolitical Framework?
If recent rhetoric is a guide, future Trump foreign policy may emphasize hard power and strategic dominance, not just sanctions and diplomacy, potentially reshaping U.S. engagement worldwide. TIME
Conclusion: Imperialism Revisited?
So, is there a “New Trump World Order”?
The answer at least for now is contested. If by imperialism you mean the projection of state power to control the political and economic outcomes of other nations, then many observers argue that the U.S. has crossed a new threshold with its Venezuela operation and ensuing threats. atlanticinsider.com
However, supporters insist this is about law enforcement and strategic necessity, not empire underscoring, a deep divide over how American power is defined and justified in the 21st century. The American Council
- "America First": Prioritizing U.S. national interests over multilateral agreements and global institutions.
- Transactional Diplomacy: Emphasizing personal relationships and deals over established alliances.
- Reduced Interventionism: Pulling back from foreign conflicts and nation-building.
- Challenging Alliances: Questioning commitments to NATO and other long-standing partnerships.
- Trade Wars & Tariffs: Using economic leverage to reshape trade relationships, particularly with China.
- The term gained traction during and after his first presidency (2017-2021) and re-emerged with discussions around a potential second term.
- Journalists and commentators use it to describe the disruptive impact of Trump's "America First" approach on the existing world order.
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Trump to Attend World Economic Forum in Davos — U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he will personally attend the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos with key administration officials, focusing on housing and economic initiatives in his address. Reuters
Post-Ceasefire Violence in Gaza — An 11-year-old girl was killed by gunfire in Gaza despite a ceasefire nearly three months after it took effect, underscoring continued insecurity and civilian harm. KPRC
Supreme Court Faces Huge Tariff Refund Case — Importers are preparing for a major legal battle over a potential $150 billion tariff refund fight if the U.S. Supreme Court rules against the legality of broad Trump-era global tariffs. Reuters
ICE Shooting and Broader National Issues — A controversial ICE shooting incident in Minneapolis, broader debates over immigration enforcement, and other political and social policy issues were highlighted in key national briefing summaries.
