Trump’s modified Monroe doctrine is reshaping transatlantic relations, with Venezuela and Greenland demonstrating its profound impact on Europe.
The “Donroe” Doctrine and Europe
The newly adopted US national security strategy has quickly produced practical consequences. Many commentators sought references to the Old Continent, thoroughly analyzing Europe’s role in this new arrangement and its significance for America under the Donald Trump administration. Debates ensued over how to interpret critical remarks toward Europeans and EU institutions – as supposedly “brotherly” encouragement to improve their own condition, or rather as definitive rejection of transatlantic relations’ importance.
Some noted that America’s first priority is now the western hemisphere of the planet. However, in Europe, this issue received little attention. Meanwhile, it quickly became evident that reviving the Monroe doctrine, in its Trumpist modification (hence the ironic term “Donroe doctrine”), would have far greater consequences for Europe than anyone had realized. It could trigger far more serious disputes than any other Washington actions directed directly at Europe.
Venezuela: A Polish Perspective
The intervention in Venezuela was received in Europe with considerable distance. No one wanted to defend dictator Nicolás Maduro, but no one wanted to praise the evident violation of international law either. For those attached to EU institutional principles, nothing justified American actions, as sacred paradigms were violated. In Poland, however, the spectacular “abduction” of the Venezuelan president should be evaluated from a different perspective.
Madado pursued anti-American, pro-Chinese, and pro-Russian policies, so his overthrow is a beneficial move for Poland. This intervention put the United States on a collision course with Beijing and Moscow, which are losing their influence in America’s close geographical vicinity with this move. This in turn distances the most threatening vision for Poland – a major geopolitical agreement between the US and Russia. The demonstration of force, effectiveness of action, and uncompromising approach also had significant importance, increasing fear among all those opposed to the American empire.
Greenland: Straining NATO
While the Caracas intervention had positive effects for Polish interests, the American pressure on Greenland has the opposite vector. Today it is still unknown how this matter will end, but regardless of what happens, the costs of Trump’s policy are already being felt. Even if the billionaire president’s intention isn’t to take possession of the island for the US, but merely to express his interest in the Arctic, distrust toward America within NATO has clearly increased.
Even if the “Greenland” action was dictated solely by a desire to gain favor with American voters and Trump will focus on another pressing topic in two weeks, the costs have already been borne. For US allies, this was a signal that the US president plays brutally, not hesitating to instrumentally treat the fundamental interests and principles of his partners. This will affect the growing divergence between the US and the European Union, and anti-American sentiments will continue to rise, translating into political elections and ultimately narrowing the field for agreement.
Poland’s Balancing Act
From our perspective, the American threat to violate the territorial integrity of another NATO ally is the worst action conducted by Donald Trump so far. It is in Poland’s vital interest to maintain the NATO insurance policy and the best possible relations between Europe and America. The worst that could happen to us is choosing between a caring mother (EU) and a strong father (US). The actions of the current US president undermine the value of this insurance policy and will condemn Poland to increasingly difficult balancing between two receding shores of the Atlantic.
Finally, the Venezuela and Greenland cases show that events even in remote corners of the world today have key significance for Poland. While everyone was watching Trump, carefully observing his attitude toward Ukraine or relations with the EU in the context of trade, the western hemisphere of the globe has become equally important area in recent weeks. Fascinating things are happening there, but unfortunately also threatening ones for us.
