Story perspectives

Trump's Doctrine: Reshaping U.S. Influence in Latin America

1/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Zheng Yongnian, a political scientist, discusses the Donroe Doctrine in the Open Questions interview, arguing the U.S. pivot under U.S. President Donald Trump could reshape Latin America.
He notes broad U.S. consensus about Trump's strategy to consolidate influence and view China and Russia as threats.
However, Zheng says Trump does not intend to isolate the hemisphere from other countries.
He emphasizes offshore balancing as a key framework in this context.

1 of 1

Story summary

Zheng Yongnian, a political scientist, discusses the Donroe Doctrine in the Open Questions interview, arguing the U.S. pivot under U.S. President Donald Trump could reshape Latin America.
He notes broad U.S. consensus about Trump's strategy to consolidate influence and view China and Russia as threats.
However, Zheng says Trump does not intend to isolate the hemisphere from other countries.
He emphasizes offshore balancing as a key framework in this context.