U.S. interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean have a lengthy history, with President Trump's pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro representing the latest instance. These interventions, rooted in the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, were fully realized in the 20th century, ostensibly to protect U.S. interests and counter communism.

Recent U.S. actions, including strikes on boats allegedly transporting Venezuelan drugs, the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, and a CIA strike on a Venezuelan dock, exemplify a "Big Stick" approach to regional policy, according to observers. This approach dates back to President Theodore Roosevelt, who built upon the Monroe Doctrine, originally intended to deter European powers from interfering in the region.

The Monroe Doctrine, formulated by President James Monroe, initially warned European powers against further colonization or intervention in the Americas. However, over time, it evolved into a justification for U.S. intervention in the region's affairs. Roosevelt's "Roosevelt Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine asserted the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American countries if they were unable to manage their own affairs.

Throughout the 20th century, the U.S. engaged in numerous interventions in Latin America, often motivated by Cold War concerns about the spread of communism. These interventions included support for coups, military interventions, and economic pressure. The 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, a failed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's government in Cuba, stands as a prominent example of a U.S.-backed intervention that did not achieve its intended outcome.

The legacy of these interventions is complex and contested. While some argue that they were necessary to protect U.S. interests and prevent the spread of communism, others criticize them for undermining democracy, fueling instability, and causing lasting damage to the region. The ongoing situation in Venezuela, with U.S. pressure aimed at removing Nicolás Maduro from power, continues to raise questions about the role of the U.S. in Latin America and the Caribbean.