In this high-stakes episode of the Martin Memo, we trace the iron thread connecting 19th-century strategy to 2026’s "America First" foreign policy. We dive deep into the Monroe Doctrine—America’s original "stay out" sign to the world—and Teddy Roosevelt’s "Big Stick" diplomacy, which transformed the United States into the official policeman of the Western Hemisphere.
The conversation centers on the dramatic return of these principles today. From the bold execution of Operation Absolute Resolve to the reassertion of the "Trump Corollary," we analyze why the U.S. is aggressively reclaiming its sphere of influence. Why has the pursuit of national sovereignty necessitated a return to gunboat diplomacy?
We break down how the rise of Chinese and Russian influence in Latin America has forced Washington to dust off the history books to secure our borders, resources, and future.
Whether it’s the capture of dictators or the protection of critical trade routes, the "Big Stick" is back. Join us as we explore how the ghosts of Monroe and Roosevelt are shaping the most assertive era of American preeminence in a century.