The Acceptance and Rejection of the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

The Monroe Doctrine has occupied and concerned Mexican government decision-makers throughout history, since its declaration virtually coincided with Mexico’s emergence as an international actor. This article seeks to examine how the doctrine has been subject to a range of interpretations that have depended on the person explaining it. Based on its variety of meanings, it analyzes several chapters of Mexican history in which the narrative or government action has revolved around this doctrine.

It shows that the position of Mexican governments has also changed, since the Monroe Doctrine was originally regarded as a North American policy to protect Latin American countries from Spanish attempts to reverse their independence. It was subsequently viewed as a narrative instrument that would justify North American dominance and its supposed prerogative to intervene in the region, spurring Mexican nationalist discourse to assert its sovereignty.