A New Chapter in US Foreign Policy: 2026

"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

A series of significant international developments in early 2026—including the US detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a mass withdrawal from international organizations, and a reassertion of dominance in the Western Hemisphere—have marked a distinct shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. These actions have prompted widespread international concern and debate among allies about the future of the post-World War II rules-based international order.

US Actions in Venezuela

Detention of Nicolás Maduro

The United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the detention of President Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump announced that the US would oversee Venezuela's administration "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition." The operation resulted in Maduro's incarceration without US casualties.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly engaged with Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, who stated, "we'll do whatever you need." President Trump indicated that military presence was an option if required, stating, "we're not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to have [them]."

Context and Reactions

The action drew comparisons to the 1989 US capture of Panamanian General Manuel Noriega, though analysts noted differences as Noriega was not recognized as a head of state in the same institutional sense. The US administration stated it was not pursuing regime change in Venezuela, contrasting with past interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Reports indicated a deal had been struck with the Venezuelan military regarding future actions.

Some Republican senators supported legislation aimed at preventing further military operations in Venezuela.

Withdrawal from International Organizations

The United States withdrew from 66 international organizations. Approximately half of these organizations focused on international law and the protection of women and children.

Scope of Withdrawals

An ABC review of the full list identified:

• At least 16 groups focused on climate change and environmental issues
• 14 groups centered on international law, peacekeeping, and protection of vulnerable populations
• 5 groups addressing international security threats, counterterrorism, and cybercrime

Key Agreements Affected

Among the agreements included is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, an agreement in place for over three decades signed by 198 countries. This framework serves as the basis for the Paris Agreement. The US withdrawal from this convention places the US among four countries not included in the agreement, alongside Iran, Libya, and Yemen.

"These organizations advance agendas contrary to US interests... a threat to our nation's sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity." — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Administration's Stated Rationale

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated these organizations now advance agendas perceived as "contrary" to US interests, describing them as "a threat to our nation's sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity." The White House issued a fact sheet contending these groups operated contrary to "US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty."

Greenland and Territorial Interests

President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a US ally and NATO member. Trump stated, "I think Greenland is going to be something that maybe is in our future," and emphasized the importance of "ownership" for Greenland, deeming it "psychologically needed for success."

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller stated that "nobody is gonna fight the US militarily over the future of Greenland" and suggested Greenland "should be part of the United States" to secure the Arctic region. Trump later stated he would not use force to acquire Greenland but claimed a "framework of a future deal" for Greenland and the Arctic Region.

Historical Context

The United States has shown interest in Greenland dating back to 1867. The territory possesses significant natural resource reserves, including rare earth minerals, and is gaining strategic importance due to increasing interest in Arctic shipping routes becoming more accessible due to climate change.

The "Donroe Doctrine" and National Security Strategy

The Trump administration's National Security Strategy, released in late 2025, emphasizes US pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere. The strategy states: "The United States must be pre-eminent in the Western Hemisphere as a condition of our security and prosperity—a condition that allows us to assert ourselves confidently where and when we need to in the region."

The Monroe Doctrine and Its Evolution

President Trump has invoked the Monroe Doctrine, originally introduced by President James Monroe in 1823, which declared the Western Hemisphere as America's sphere of interest and cautioned European powers against intervention. President Theodore Roosevelt reinterpreted the doctrine in 1904, arguing it gave the US "international police power" for intervention in the Americas. Trump has referred to a "Donroe doctrine" as an expansion of the original, stating, "The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we've superseded it by a lot."

The national security strategy articulates the US objective to "restore American pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere" and "protect our homeland and access to key geographies throughout the region."

Board of Peace Initiative

President Trump announced the formation of a "Board of Peace" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The initiative was initially mentioned following a ceasefire accord for Israel's war in Gaza, envisioned as a forum for Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and other Middle East countries.

Structure and Membership

The board's charter designates Donald Trump as chairman for an indefinite period. Members consist of heads of state invited by the chairman. Membership terms are set for three years, with a provision for lifetime tenure upon payment of $1 billion. Decisions are made by majority vote, though the chairman holds veto power, can unilaterally initiate measures, eject members, and select a successor.

Nations that accepted invitations include Argentina, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. China, India, and Russia had not yet responded. Many other allies, including France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, declined.

Relationship with the United Nations

Trump stated the board would operate "in conjunction with the United Nations" but also suggested it "might" replace the UN, asserting the UN "just hasn't been very helpful." The initiative received UN Security Council endorsement for its initial Gaza-related focus.

Transatlantic Relations and International Reactions

Munich Security Conference

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the annual Munich Security Conference, affirming US historical ties to Europe while outlining the administration's intention to modify the trans-Atlantic alliance. Rubio stated the US would "remain connected to Europe" even as it seeks changes in post-World War II institutions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the US and Europe to "repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together," stating the US cannot act alone in a changed world order. Merz confirmed Germany had begun confidential discussions with France concerning a European nuclear deterrent.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Rubio's speech as "very reassuring" but noted some in the administration maintain a "harsher tone." She stressed the necessity for Europe to become more independent, particularly in defense.

Canadian and French Reactions

"This is a rupture, not a transition of the post-World War II order." — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the current geopolitical situation as "a rupture, not a transition" of the post-World War II order. He called for "middle powers" to act collectively.

French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the Trump administration as "openly anti-European" and seeking the European Union's "dismemberment," warning of intensifying tensions after the "Greenland moment."

International Norms and Expert Analysis

Carnegie Institute analyst Tong Zhao stated that controversial US actions and perceived international acceptance could lower "perceived thresholds of acceptable behaviour" for authoritarian leaders.

Historian Jay Sexton noted that Trump's reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine and his unpredictable approach give US foreign policy a 19th-century character, where Great Power rivalries led to destabilization and conflict.

Economic Policy and Tariffs

The Trump administration imposed tariffs on various trading partners. Brazil faced "additional" 40 percent tariffs (above a 10 percent baseline). The US supported a currency swap agreement with Argentina of up to $20 billion. President Trump stated publicly that aid would be withheld if Argentinian President Javier Milei was defeated in elections.

Tariffs on Canada contributed to trade tensions. Following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump announced a halt to proposed tariffs on European goods, though Denmark's political leadership subsequently clarified Rutte did not represent their views on the matter.

Immigration and Domestic Incidents

President Trump held a news conference marking one year since his return to office, highlighting immigration enforcement actions. He displayed images of individuals identified as illegal migrants arrested or convicted of crimes by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In Minneapolis, a 37-year-old US citizen, Renee Good, was shot and killed by ICE agents during a protest. Local police reported the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) impeded their efforts to investigate the incident. President Trump initially acknowledged ICE could make errors, then connected her death to her parents being supporters of his.

Economic Indicators

President Trump stated his goal to improve economic conditions following post-COVID inflation. Petrol prices and egg costs have reportedly decreased. Inflation stands at 2.7 percent. Job growth is described as weak, but the unemployment rate is 4.4 percent. The stock market is at record highs.