New Delhi, Jan. 19 -- 2026 opened with displays of U.S. muscle power, intended to revive the Monroe Doctrine and reinforce American security dominance, an approach that had come under scrutiny after Israel's strikes on Qatar escalated tensions in the Middle East last year. The Trump administration made clear commitments regarding its sphere of influence and signalled its willingness to reassert the Monroe Doctrine in its National Security Strategy (NSS) released in November. Within two months, the U.S. carried out a military operation in Venezuela to topple the Maduro regime, demonstrating both its strategic will and seriousness in translating doctrine into action.

These developments have prompted reflections on the global order entering...