Drago Doctrine

Definition

The Drago Doctrine is a principle in international law established by Argentine Foreign Minister Luis María Drago in 1902, asserting that foreign nations should not use military force to collect debts from sovereign nations. This doctrine directly challenged European powers that sought to intervene in Latin America for debt collection and reinforced the notion of sovereignty and non-intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Drago Doctrine was a direct response to the use of military force by European powers, specifically aimed at protecting Latin American nations from imperialist interventions.
2. It was articulated during the backdrop of the Venezuelan Crisis, where Britain, Germany, and Italy blockaded Venezuela over unpaid debts.
3. The doctrine was later supported by several Latin American countries, reinforcing regional solidarity against foreign intervention.
4. Although it gained recognition, the Drago Doctrine did not fully prevent foreign interventions, as demonstrated by the subsequent application of the Roosevelt Corollary.
5. The Drago Doctrine highlighted the growing sense of nationalism in Latin America and the desire for self-determination amidst increasing foreign pressures.

Review Questions

• How did the Drago Doctrine respond to European interventionist policies in Latin America?
  • The Drago Doctrine was a clear repudiation of European interventionist policies that allowed foreign powers to use military force for debt collection. It posited that such actions violated the sovereignty of Latin American nations. By establishing that debt disputes should be resolved through diplomatic means rather than military intervention, the doctrine aimed to protect Latin American countries from external coercion and maintain their autonomy.
• In what ways does the Drago Doctrine relate to the principles established by the Monroe Doctrine?
  • The Drago Doctrine builds upon the principles set forth by the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted that European interference in the Americas would be met with opposition from the United States. While the Monroe Doctrine focused on preventing European colonization and expansion, the Drago Doctrine specifically addressed military interventions for debt collection. Together, they reflect a broader commitment to protecting Latin American sovereignty from external threats, though they also demonstrate tensions regarding U.S. interests in the region.
• Evaluate the impact of the Drago Doctrine on international relations in Latin America during the early 20th century.
  • The Drago Doctrine significantly influenced international relations in Latin America by fostering a sense of unity among nations against foreign intervention. It legitimized claims of sovereignty and self-determination during a time when many Latin American countries faced economic pressures and potential imperialist ambitions from Europe. However, its effectiveness was limited due to the subsequent Roosevelt Corollary, which allowed U.S. intervention under certain circumstances. This contradiction highlights the complexities of maintaining sovereignty while navigating global power dynamics.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas and asserted that any intervention by external powers would be viewed as a threat to the U.S.

Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American nations to stabilize economic affairs.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions without external interference, a core concept emphasized by the Drago Doctrine.