A new era of aggressive US imperialism in Venezuala, Greenland, and beyond?

For this event, we will consider recent US foreign policy shifts and their historical parallels. Starting in early 2025 with the 2nd Trump admin coming to power, there has been renewed American interest in territorial expansion and regional intervention. This has sparked debates about whether we're witnessing a return to more overtly aggressive forms of imperialism.

Historical Context:
US imperial ambitions have taken various forms throughout history, from the Monroe Doctrine and "Manifest Destiny" to Cold War interventions and the "War on Terror." While the methods and justifications have evolved, debates over American power projection abroad have remained constant. Recent decades saw a supposed pivot toward multilateralism and "soft power," though critics argue coercive economic and military policies never truly subsided.
In recent months, statements regarding potential US acquisition of Greenland, renewed intervention rhetoric around Venezuela, and discussions of expanding American territorial control have reignited questions about imperial ambitions in the 21st century.

Possible Framings:

• Is this a fundamental shift in US foreign policy, or continuity with long-standing practices?
• Economic necessity vs. ideological expansionism: what's driving these impulses?
• How do domestic political dynamics influence aggressive foreign policy stances?
• Imperialism vs. national security: where do we draw the line?

Central Questions to Consider:

• What distinguishes legitimate national security interests from imperial overreach?
• How do these contemporary moves compare to historical patterns of US intervention and expansion?
• What are the potential consequences—intended and unintended—for affected populations and global stability?
• What role should public debate and democratic oversight play in foreign policy decisions?
• Are there alternative frameworks for understanding US power that transcend the imperialism debate?
• What are the larger implications for global stability and US domestic tranquility?