1. The Monroe Doctrine: This 1823 policy statement declared that the Western Hemisphere was under U.S. influence and that the U.S. would resist any attempt by European powers to intervene in the Americas. The Monroe Doctrine has been used to justify U.S. intervention in numerous Latin American countries, including Mexico, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
2. National Security: The U.S. has often intervened in Latin America to protect its national security interests. For example, the U.S. intervened in the Dominican Republic in 1965 to prevent a communist takeover. In the mid-20th century, the U.S. intervened in Chile to prevent the rise of socialist president Salvador Allende.
3. Human Rights: The U.S. has also intervened in Latin America to promote human rights. For example, the U.S. intervened in Panama in 1989 to overthrow dictator Manuel Noriega. In 1994, the U.S. intervened in Haiti to restore democracy.
4. Counternarcotics: The U.S. has also intervened in Latin America to combat drug trafficking and related crime. For example, the U.S. has provided military and financial aid to Colombia to fight drug cartels.
5. Humanitarian Aid: Sometimes, the U.S. might justify its intervention for providing humanitarian assistance and stabilizing certain regions due to natural disasters or major crises requiring external assistance. An example would be the aid provided after catastrophic hurricanes or earthquakes.
It is important to note that many Latin American countries view U.S. interventionism as a violation of their sovereignty. The United States' justifications for intervening in Latin America have evolved over time, but the U.S. continues to play a significant role in shaping the political and economic development of the region.