The Hard Country

Author: Texas Public Policy Foundation

Language: en

Genres: Government, News, Politics

Contact email: Get it

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Reviving the Monroe Doctrine: U.S. Shifts Focus to the Western Hemisphere
Episode 36
Monday, 9 February, 2026

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo welcome back Melissa Ford Maldonado, now Director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative at the America First Policy Institute and co-host of the Western Front podcast. They explore the dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere, the resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine in recent national security strategies, and how regional crises—from Venezuela's turmoil to evolving U.S.-Colombia relations under Presidents Trump and Petro—are reshaping America's backyard.Topics include the strategic importance of Colombia as a non-NATO ally, recent diplomatic tensions and breakthroughs, upcoming elections in the region, and broader implications for Mexico and U.S. border security. Plus, an opening reflection on Greenland's geopolitical opportunities.Referenced in this episode:Greenland shows the limits and opportunities of Danish statecraft