If the Monroe Doctrine Was Applied Today...

The Monroe Doctrine was a major element of American foreign policy for decades, and can still be applied in some ways today.

Elizabeth Barber, a writer for Time Magazine, wrote the article, “Top U.S. Commander in Africa Is Optimistic on Liberia’s Battle With Ebola” describing the international effort provided by the American military to aid in the recovery of countries affected by Ebola. United States Army General David M. Rodriguez serving as the Commander for United States Africa Command told reporters that if progress reports for Liberia’s condition continue to show improvement, U.S. troops deployed in Liberia may be shifted to other countries in the region or sent back home. The Ebola virus has infected 17,14, and has killed 6,070 people. Around 2,900 U.S. troops have been deployed to West Africa to try and help contain the virus.   The World Health Organization said that cases in Liberia are “stable or declining”.  Liberia has reported 43 new cases over a five-day period, which has decreased from the 78 cases the previous week.

The Monroe Doctrine has three longstanding principles; separate spheres of influence, non colonization and non intervention. If the U.S was following the principles displayed by the Monroe Doctrine the decision of aiding Ebola stricken countries would have had a much different outcome. If separate spheres of influence was applied, the U.S would not have deployed troops. Soldiers would have stayed in the United States, and those infected with Ebola would stay in their countries. Non colonization cannot be applied in this situation because no one is trying to taking countries affected by Ebola. I think if non intervention was applied there would have been a debate. Non intervention implies that the U.S. won’t intervene unless the issue affects us directly. Some might say that because Ebola hasn't spread to the U.S we aren't directly affected by it, but I disagree. If we were to ignore the issue, then there is the chance that someone infected with the virus could enter the U.S and spread the disease here.  I believe that Ebola is serious enough, and affects the U.S enough for the need of intervention.

In the case of Ebola, the Monroe Doctrine could have been used to decide the U.S’s plan of action to ensure the safety of the citizens of the United States.

http://time.com/3617511/ebola-liberia-us-general/