Historical Whimsey, Episode 2: TR's Big Stick: Why Venezuela Tests America's Resolve

If Theodore Roosevelt were alive today, he would see Venezuela's collapse as a familiar test of order and power. Viewing sovereignty as conditional on responsible governance, Roosevelt would condemn half measures like sanctions that hurt civilians while leaving regimes intact, and urge decisive, transparent action. He would caution that failing to enforce the Monroe Doctrine invites foreign rivals and leaves the hemisphere unstable unless the United States is prepared to act responsibly and finish the job it starts.