Core Viewpoint - The recent large-scale military attack by the U.S. on Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro has sparked strong international condemnation, revealing the underlying political logic of U.S. actions in Latin America and its historical role as a hegemon [1]. Group 1: Historical Context - The book "The Collected Speeches of American Presidents" illustrates how the U.S. has intervened in Western Hemisphere affairs under the guise of being an "international police" force, using ideals of freedom and democracy to justify military actions [2]. - The "Monroe Doctrine," articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, established that the Americas should not be considered for colonization by European powers, marking the beginning of U.S. foreign policy aimed at limiting European influence in the region [2][3]. Group 2: Evolution of U.S. Policy - By the end of the 19th century, the U.S. had become the world's largest economy, leading to a shift in the interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine, emphasizing U.S. influence over the entire Americas and justifying military intervention when necessary [3]. - Theodore Roosevelt's 1904 annual message introduced the concept of "international police powers," stating that the U.S. would intervene in cases of governmental incapacity in the Western Hemisphere, which resonates with the current U.S. actions in Venezuela [4]. Group 3: Ideological Justifications - Roosevelt's speeches reflect a belief that the U.S. must not be a passive observer in global affairs, suggesting that failure to act could lead to greater powers dominating the world [5]. - The establishment of "American-style peace" post-World War II was not only due to military and economic strength but also the promotion of ideals like freedom and democracy, which served as justifications for U.S. military actions [6]. Group 4: Contemporary Analysis - "The Open Veins of Latin America" by Eduardo Galeano critiques the historical exploitation of Latin America, arguing that a structure of modern-day plunder has led to persistent poverty and underdevelopment in the region [7]. - The book has been influential in academic discussions and has been widely translated, highlighting the ongoing relevance of its themes in understanding U.S.-Latin America relations [8]. Group 5: Recent Scholarly Work - "America's Backyard: From Monroe Doctrine to the War on Terror" by Grace Livingstone reveals the darker aspects of U.S. involvement in Latin America, including support for military coups and interventions under the pretext of combating terrorism [9]. - The book discusses the failures of U.S. drug policies and their environmental impacts, as well as the economic interests that drive U.S. actions in the region [9].