The world is sliding back into an era where “might makes right,” and Donald Trump’s so-called “Donroe Doctrine” is the latest proof. This policy, which effectively declares the Western Hemisphere as America’s backyard, isn’t just a threat to Latin America. It’s a wake-up call for Europe, the left, and, most importantly, for Scotland. If we’ve learned anything from the past week, it’s that relying on NATO for security is a gamble we can’t afford to take.

The Venezuela Precedent: Imperialism in Action

The US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro was as predictable as it was illegal. Trump has spent the past year signalling his intent, and his National Security Strategy made it clear that he sees the Western Hemisphere as America’s sphere of influence. No international laws, no treaties, no alliances will stand in his way. The message is simple: if the US wants something, it will take it.

What’s shocking isn’t just the blatant disregard for international law. It’s Europe’s response, or lack thereof. European leaders, who have spent years rallying support for Ukraine on the grounds of territorial integrity, are now stuck between condemning the US or backing its actions. Most have chosen to do neither, offering only weak, non-committal statements. Sir Keir Starmer’s response was particularly spineless, proving once again that when it comes to standing up to US imperialism, Europe lacks the backbone.

The Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, praised the US action, calling it a “huge step for humanity.” But let’s be clear: this wasn’t about justice or human rights. It was about control. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, and Trump’s administration has made no secret of its desire to secure those resources. This is classic resource colonialism, dressed up in the language of democracy and security.

Greenland: The Next Target

For Scotland, this should be a warning. If Trump is willing to invade Venezuela for its oil, what’s to stop him from turning his gaze to Greenland? The US president has made no secret of his desire to annex Greenland from Denmark, another NATO ally. And if he’s willing to use force, as he has in Venezuela, then Europe is facing a crisis of its own making.

The problem is simple: Europe lacks hard power. It’s a continent that has spent decades relying on the US for security, only to find itself at the mercy of a president who treats international law like an inconvenience. If Trump takes Greenland by force (and make no mistake, he could), then NATO is finished. And if NATO collapses, Europe’s security unravels with it.

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has warned that any US attack on a NATO ally would be the end of “everything.” Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has urged Trump to give up his “fantasies about annexation.” But words alone won’t stop Trump. If he’s serious about Greenland (and all signs suggest he is), then Europe needs a plan. And so does Scotland.

Scotland’s Dilemma: Independence or Complicity?

This isn’t just about security: it’s about sovereignty. If Denmark can’t count on NATO to protect Greenland, what hope is there for Scotland? The truth is, we’re better off charting our own course. Independence isn’t just about self-governance, it’s about self-defence. It’s about building a nation that stands on its own principles, not one that bends to the whims of an imperial power.

The lesson from Trump’s Donroe Doctrine is clear: in a world where the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must, Scotland must build its own resilience. That means investing in renewable energy, strengthening democratic institutions, and forging alliances based on mutual respect—not imperialism.

A Leftist and Green Perspective

For the left, this is a moment to reject the false dichotomy of US imperialism versus European weakness. We need a third way: a politics of international solidarity, anti-colonialism, and environmental justice. Scotland, with its vast renewable energy potential, could be a leader in this movement. We could show the world that another way is possible; one that doesn’t rely on military alliances or resource wars.

The Green perspective is equally clear. Trump’s aggression is driven by a desire for oil and minerals. The answer isn’t to compete in this race to the bottom. It’s to reject it entirely. Scotland could lead the way in building a green economy that doesn’t depend on the exploitation of other nations’ resources.

The left and the Green movement must unite

The world is changing, and not for the better. Trump’s aggression is a reminder that international law is only as strong as those who enforce it. For Scotland, the choice is simple: do we want to be part of a crumbling alliance, or do we want to stand on our own? The time to decide is now.

The left and the Green movement must unite around a vision of independence that rejects both US imperialism and European complacency. We need a Scotland that is sovereign, sustainable, and socialist. Anything less is a betrayal of our principles and our future.