U.S. military flights near Cuba increase as officials revive Monroe Doctrine references

The U.S. Navy and Air Force have conducted at least 25 intelligence-gathering flights around Cuba's coastline since February 4, according to analysis cited by CNN. On May 21, U.S. authorities indicted former Cuban president Raúl Castro on murder charges.

Historical background In 1823, President James Monroe declared the Western Hemisphere closed to future European colonization and stated that U.S. officials would view European interference as a hostile act. The statement later became known as the Monroe Doctrine and served as a reference point for subsequent U.S. policy in the region.

Later U.S. administrations interpreted the doctrine in ways that supported intervention in Latin American countries, including multiple U.S. military occupations of Cuba between 1906 and 1922.

Recent developments Officials have linked current actions toward Cuba to the doctrine's principles. A University of Sydney associate professor stated the doctrine has been cited both against and in favor of U.S. activity in Latin America. A University of Melbourne research fellow noted that U.S. economic control over Cuba reached about 83 percent of Cuban exports by the late 19th century.

The U.S. resumed diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2013 before later policy shifts occurred.