The recent series of boat strikes in the Caribbean, which resulted in three fatalities and a total death toll of at least 70 since September 2025, indicates a significant shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Previously regarded as a secondary concern, Latin America and the Caribbean have now become focal points of US global strategy, moving away from earlier priorities such as China and the Middle East.

This new doctrine is characterized by the integration of emergency powers, economic warfare, and militarization into a cohesive hemispheric strategy. It reflects an expansion of presidential authority, aligning with the unitary executive theory, which promotes unilateral executive action in foreign policy. The Trump administration's reliance on emergency powers, including executive orders and budgetary discretion, has become a standard practice in governance.

The transformation of US foreign policy is rooted in the historical context of the War on Drugs and the War on Terror, which have expanded the executive branch's capacity to operate under a permanent state of emergency. What began as exceptional measures has now become the norm, with military actions, financial bailouts, and sanctions interconnected within a framework of hemispheric governance.

The administration's foreign policy is predicated on the belief that the president can act independently of Congress and international law. This is exemplified by the authorization of 17 direct boat strikes against vessels purportedly involved in narcotics operations, despite many lacking the necessary justification for such actions. Reports suggest that these strikes may serve not only as interdiction efforts but also as provocations aimed at regime change in Venezuela.

On October 17, 2025, the Trump administration announced a $40 billion bailout for Argentine President Javier Milei, whose policies reflect a radical neoliberal agenda. This financial support, sourced from both public reserves and private investors without congressional approval, raises concerns about the prioritization of corporate interests over the economic stability of Argentina. The bailout is seen as a means to reinforce a government aligned with Trump’s ideology while simultaneously securing US financial dominance in the region.

The military aspect of this doctrine is particularly pronounced, with the Caribbean becoming a primary site for the remilitarization of US influence. The Pentagon has initiated the largest regional deployment in decades, with over 10,000 troops stationed in the area, justified by executive authorizations. Puerto Rico's colonial status facilitates this military presence, allowing for operations that bypass congressional oversight.

Simultaneously, the administration has intensified its economic warfare, imposing sanctions on Venezuela and introducing new tariffs on Brazil, Colombia, and Cuba. These measures are designed to exert political pressure and ensure compliance with US interests.

The US Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case that could redefine the scope of presidential emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The outcome may further entrench the president's ability to unilaterally shape trade policy, potentially normalizing the use of emergency powers in governance.

In summary, the emerging US doctrine in Latin America and the Caribbean is characterized by a reliance on emergency powers, military intervention, and economic control, raising critical questions about the humanitarian and equity implications for the region.