<p>Since the 19<sup>th</sup> century, the United States has made numerous attempts to purchase the island of Greenland from Denmark. The first round of talks were held in 1867, followed by several others including those more recently in 2019. While Greenland remains an autonomous region within Denmark, both governments have agreed to Greenland’s right to self-determination. The entire debate received an impetus following President elect Donald Trump’s recent comments that America will acquire Greenland, using economic or military force if necessary. America has viewed the Arctic nation as being vital to its national security interests. During and following the end of World War II, America has maintained a military presence on the island, despite Denmark’s attempts to persuade it to leave.</p><p>More importantly, Mr. Trump also promised to use economic force to annex Canada and integrate the territory as a province within the United States. Both countries share what is the world’s longest boundary, which was established in treaties that date back to the very founding of America, in the late 1700s. He argued that the US spends billions of dollars protecting Canada, which also runs a trade surplus. Based on recent comments, explicitly shared by Mr Trump, both issues are viewed as terribly urgent, with Canada enjoying a free ride funded by US taxpayers.</p><p>Third, Mr Trump has expressed, in no uncertain terms, his desire to reclaim the Panama Canal, which the US handed over 30 years ago to the Panamanian authorities. America believes that control over the canal is strategically important to its security. For both Greenland and the canal, the premise of control has to do with adversaries like China and Russia stepping up an interest in what America, perhaps justifiably, considers its backyard. Chinese companies operate ports at both ends of the canal and consequently, create anxieties in Washington.</p><p>Most analysts believe that Mr. Trump’s comments are more bluster than threat. However, it would be wrong to underestimate his resolve. Perhaps, Mr. Trump’s comments should be treated as a tactic to begin negotiations. This has actually put the Danes, Canadians and the Panamanian authorities on the back foot, disorienting them. The way America sees it, geography is vital and the Arctic nation’s location is strategic. To start with, America will deepen its military presence in Greenland and seek better access to critical minerals by American companies. As the Earth warms and the ice-caps continue to shrink, shipping may become viable through the Arctic route.</p><p>As things stand, most world leaders seem not to take Mr Trump’s intimidations seriously. Be that as it may, the Trump administration is likely to be more assertive in terms of Americas foreign policy, keeping allies and foes on tenterhooks. The days when America, enforced a liberal world order and served as a guarantor of global peace are now over. The rift between European countries and the US is expected to widen, specifically if Mr Trump, seeking a quick end to the Ukraine conflict, sides with the Russian position. Going forward, global geopolitics, international treaties and alliances will change quickly. America will seek to cut deals to ensure that its nationalist interests are protected. These deals will encompass investment, trade and security. Clearly, therefore, it will impact global business, trade, supply chains and logistics.</p>
<p>Since the 19<sup>th</sup> century, the United States has made numerous attempts to purchase the island of Greenland from Denmark. The first round of talks were held in 1867, followed by several others including those more recently in 2019. While Greenland remains an autonomous region within Denmark, both governments have agreed to Greenland’s right to self-determination. The entire debate received an impetus following President elect Donald Trump’s recent comments that America will acquire Greenland, using economic or military force if necessary. America has viewed the Arctic nation as being vital to its national security interests. During and following the end of World War II, America has maintained a military presence on the island, despite Denmark’s attempts to persuade it to leave.</p><p>More importantly, Mr. Trump also promised to use economic force to annex Canada and integrate the territory as a province within the United States. Both countries share what is the world’s longest boundary, which was established in treaties that date back to the very founding of America, in the late 1700s. He argued that the US spends billions of dollars protecting Canada, which also runs a trade surplus. Based on recent comments, explicitly shared by Mr Trump, both issues are viewed as terribly urgent, with Canada enjoying a free ride funded by US taxpayers.</p><p>Third, Mr Trump has expressed, in no uncertain terms, his desire to reclaim the Panama Canal, which the US handed over 30 years ago to the Panamanian authorities. America believes that control over the canal is strategically important to its security. For both Greenland and the canal, the premise of control has to do with adversaries like China and Russia stepping up an interest in what America, perhaps justifiably, considers its backyard. Chinese companies operate ports at both ends of the canal and consequently, create anxieties in Washington.</p><p>Most analysts believe that Mr. Trump’s comments are more bluster than threat. However, it would be wrong to underestimate his resolve. Perhaps, Mr. Trump’s comments should be treated as a tactic to begin negotiations. This has actually put the Danes, Canadians and the Panamanian authorities on the back foot, disorienting them. The way America sees it, geography is vital and the Arctic nation’s location is strategic. To start with, America will deepen its military presence in Greenland and seek better access to critical minerals by American companies. As the Earth warms and the ice-caps continue to shrink, shipping may become viable through the Arctic route.</p><p>As things stand, most world leaders seem not to take Mr Trump’s intimidations seriously. Be that as it may, the Trump administration is likely to be more assertive in terms of Americas foreign policy, keeping allies and foes on tenterhooks. The days when America, enforced a liberal world order and served as a guarantor of global peace are now over. The rift between European countries and the US is expected to widen, specifically if Mr Trump, seeking a quick end to the Ukraine conflict, sides with the Russian position. Going forward, global geopolitics, international treaties and alliances will change quickly. America will seek to cut deals to ensure that its nationalist interests are protected. These deals will encompass investment, trade and security. Clearly, therefore, it will impact global business, trade, supply chains and logistics.</p>
