Relevance: GS Paper II (International Relations – Impact of Developed Countries on India) | Source: The Hindu

Context: What is the “Donroe Doctrine”?

Imagine a world where the rules no longer apply to the powerful. The term “Donroe Doctrine” combines Donald Trump with the historic Monroe Doctrine (1823). It represents a new, aggressive phase of US foreign policy in 2026.

• The Spark: The year began with US troops landing in Venezuela and detaining its President, Nicolas Maduro, citing national security.
• The Message: This signals that the US views the Americas as its “exclusive backyard,” warning rivals like China and Russia to stay out or face consequences.

A World Without Rules

This shift replaces the “Rule of Law” with “Might is Right,” destabilizing three key regions:

1. Latin America (Sovereignty Lost): By intervening directly in a sovereign nation, the US has shattered the post-1945 promise that borders are sacred. It sets a dangerous precedent where powerful nations can simply remove leaders they dislike.
2. Europe (Transactional Ties): The US is telling its oldest allies in NATO: “You are on your own.” Security is no longer about shared democratic values but a business deal—Europe must now pay for its own defense.
3. West Asia (Perpetual Conflict): The region is described as a war zone of “economic and psychological” battles. With the US prioritizing sanctions on Iran over peace-building, stability remains a distant dream for the common people.

India: Walking on Broken Glass

For New Delhi, this “broken order” is not just a diplomatic headache; it is a strategic trap.

• The Asian Vacuum: As the US turns inward (“America First”), it leaves a security void in Asia. China is rushing to fill this gap, especially in the Indian Ocean, expanding its footprint while the “global policeman” looks away.
• The Energy Trap: India buys cheap Russian oil to fuel its economy and keep inflation low for its citizens. The US, however, is using trade tariffs to punish this, forcing India to choose between its economic survival and its strategic partner.
• Diplomatic Isolation: By appearing aligned with US and Israeli military actions, India risks alienating its traditional friends in the Arab world, stalling grand projects like the IMEC Corridor.

UPSC Value Box

Why this matters for Governance:

• The Precedent Effect: If the US violates sovereignty in Venezuela, it gives a “free pass” to authoritarian regimes (like China regarding Taiwan) to do the same, citing the US example.

Analytical Insight & Way Forward:

• Strategic Autonomy 2.0: India can no longer rely on a “US Umbrella.” The path forward is multi-alignment—building issue-based coalitions with middle powers (like France, Japan, and Australia) who still believe in a rules-based order, while strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

Summary

The “Donroe Doctrine” marks the return of a hyper-aggressive US that prioritizes dominance over diplomacy. By treating international laws as optional, it pushes the world toward chaos. For India, this means the safety net of Western alliance is fraying, and we must rapidly build our own strength to survive in a neighborhood dominated by China.

One Line Wrap: When the world’s superpower stops following the rules, rising powers like India must learn to protect themselves.

UPSC Mains Question

Q. “The shift from a ‘rules-based order’ to a ‘power-based order’, as seen in the Donroe Doctrine, creates a security dilemma for India.” Discuss the challenges this poses to India’s strategic autonomy and energy security. (10 Marks, 150 Words)