Theodore Roosevelt's Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1905)

For a nation to effectively mold its foreign policy, it is crucial to consider its military capabilities, specifically the Army and Navy.
The United States Congress must acknowledge that foreign policy cannot be serious if it lacks the backing of considerable potential military force.
A nation proclaiming lofty ideals without the means to enforce them is acting contemptibly.

Undesirable types of peace include those achieved through tyranny, fear, or oppression.
Historical examples are given where tyrants create a facade of peace while perpetrating violence.
Nations often avoid hard decisions and justify inaction as a pursuit of peace, which can lead to laxity in moral responsibilities.

The concept of peace must always align with righteousness; if these are in conflict, righteousness should take precedence.
Both unrighteous wars and unjust peace should be avoided.
The right to freedom and the responsibility that accompanies it are inextricably linked.

A poet’s words convey that freedom will not remain with the cowardly or the slothful.
Eternal vigilance is necessary for liberty—not only from external foes but also to combat internal failings.
Acknowledge the universal moral principle that nations have no more right to do injustice to other nations than individuals do to each other.

Unlike individual rights which can be remedied through the legal system, international law currently lacks sufficient judicial enforceability.
In the absence of a global tribunal, nations must either accept wrongdoing or take action to defend their rights.

A civilized nation must maintain some military readiness to address international injustices, ensuring they can act without becoming aggressive themselves.
Nations are encouraged to support movements leading to alternatives to war and a more humane international community.

The United States aims to establish treaties of arbitration with willing nations to address potential conflicts peacefully.
Initiatives include participation in the second Hague conference to further the first Hague's intentions.

The United States asserts no aggressive intentions towards neighboring nations but supports stability and order.
Countries demonstrating political and social stability can expect cooperation, while chronic instability may provoke intervention under the Monroe Doctrine.

The interests of the U.S. and its southern neighbors are aligned in promoting prosperity through law and justice.
Intervention will be considered only as a last resort when another nation’s negligence threatens the rights of the U.S. or invites foreign aggression.

Every nation must understand that independence comes with the responsibility to utilize it effectively.
Policy actions regarding Cuba, Venezuela, and Panama showcase a balance between national interest and humanitarian concerns.

It is often wiser for the U.S. to focus on improving its domestic conditions rather than attempting to rectify global issues.
The goal should not be to address every injustice abroad whilst neglecting the significant problems within the nation itself.

However, the U.S. may feel ethically compelled to act against extreme atrocities, such as the massacre of Jews in Kishinev or the atrocities against Armenians.
Such actions must be taken with a high threshold of justification, guided by the gravity of the circumstances and the nation's capacity to address them.
The seriousness of interventions is underscored, reminding that systemic issues at home must be confronted to maintain moral authority in international matters.