This foreign policy approach, prominent in the early 20th century, particularly during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, centered on the belief that the United States should promote its democratic ideals and moral principles abroad. It advocated for intervention in other nations’ affairs to foster democratic governments and institutions, often with the goal of spreading American values. An example of this involved interactions with Latin American countries, where the U.S. sought to influence political stability and economic development according to its own standards.
The rationale behind this approach was rooted in the conviction that promoting democracy and American values globally would ultimately benefit both the United States and the world. Proponents argued that it could lead to greater international stability, economic prosperity, and the prevention of future conflicts. Historically, this approach was often implemented through economic and military interventions, diplomatic pressure, and the support of pro-American factions within targeted countries. However, the approach was often critiqued for oversimplifying complex geopolitical situations and disregarding the sovereignty of other nations.
