The Monroe Doctrine, Humiliation, and the Rise of Fascistic Tendencies in US Foreign Policy

The United States, under the second Trump administration, is increasingly redefining its foreign policy, moving away from the post-World War II international order and embracing a spheres-of-influence approach. This shift is exemplified by the reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine, now framed by a “Trump Corollary” that prioritizes American control over its hemisphere [1]. Simultaneously, the administration exhibits a permissive stance towards China and Russia within their respective spheres, while articulating a narrative of national humiliation and internal threats that increasingly echoes elements of fascist ideology.

The Narrative of Humiliation and Decline

A central theme emerging from statements by Vice-President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is a sense of decline and a perceived threat from within. Vance, speaking at the Munich Security Conference in 2025, emphasized a threat not from external actors like Russia or China, but from a “retreat of Europe from some of its fundamental values” . This retreat was characterized by a focus on “illegal immigrants” and perceived attacks on traditional values. Rubio echoed this sentiment, speaking of a “civilizational erasure” and a Western civilization in “terminal decline,” shackled by guilt and shame .

This discourse frames the US and Europe not as being challenged by external powers, but as suffering from internal decay. The National Security Strategy (NSS) reflects this concern, aiming for the “restoration and reinvigoration of American spiritual and cultural health” with an emphasis on “strong, traditional families” . This narrative taps into a sense of lost greatness and a perceived betrayal of core values.

From Populism to Fascism: A Shifting Discourse

The articulation of decline has evolved from discussions of relative power capabilities to a narrative of humiliation. Populist leaders often portray past societies nostalgically, contrasting them with a present state of crisis . The humiliation arises when people experience “cheated out” of their past national greatness. This narrative is further fueled by the perception that “radical ideologies” have undermined American advantages in science and technology, replacing competence with “favored group status” .

This shift increasingly aligns with elements of fascism, characterized by a sense of victimhood and the identification of internal enemies. Fascism, as defined by scholars, involves a myth of national decay and a need for rebirth, often accompanied by violence against perceived threats . The Trump administration’s rhetoric increasingly frames certain groups as weakening the nation, justifying increasingly harsh measures.

The “Enemy Within” and the Justification of Violence

The focus on internal threats has escalated, with President Trump openly discussing the need to deploy the military domestically to “defend the homeland” . He characterized Democrat-run cities as under attack and described the situation as an “invasion from within,” equating it to a foreign enemy . This rhetoric legitimizes violence against perceived weaklings and enemies, framing them as contaminants to be purged.

The Heritage Foundation’s policy document further reinforces this narrative, stating that the “greatest threat to America would come not from without, but from within” . This internal focus, coupled with the emphasis on national rejuvenation, signals a dangerous shift towards a more authoritarian and potentially fascistic approach to both domestic and foreign policy.

Implications for US Foreign Policy

The narrative of humiliation and the focus on internal enemies have significant implications for US foreign policy. The reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine, under the “Trump Corollary,” is not simply about asserting regional dominance, but about defending a perceived American identity against external and internal threats. This approach justifies interventionism in the Western Hemisphere and a willingness to disregard international norms in the pursuit of national interests . The administration’s actions, including the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, demonstrate a willingness to use force to achieve its objectives.

The emphasis on internal threats also influences the administration’s approach to global alliances. The focus on national sovereignty and the rejection of “globalist institutions” suggest a willingness to act unilaterally and to prioritize domestic concerns over international cooperation.

The trajectory of US foreign policy under the second Trump administration is concerning. The combination of a resurgent Monroe Doctrine, a narrative of national humiliation, and the rise of fascistic tendencies poses a significant challenge to the international order and to the principles of democracy and human rights.