(Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)
In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has made imperialistic comments on expanding American territory. What came out as a simple joke during a Mar-a-Lago meeting with outgoing prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, to merge Canada into the United States. Now, it has expanded to nations like Panama and the Danish territory of Greenland. In his press conferences, Trump has suggested that the United States should acquire the Panama Canal for economic security, alleging that China is controlling the canal.
So, the question is whether President Trump will use military force to acquire more territory. It is most likely that the president-elect will not seek military intervention in Panama or Greenland. If there was a possibility that the new administration would go down this path, it would cause global condemnation and sanctions. If the Trump administration is committed to invading Greenland, that could spark a series of conversations within the NATO alliance and possible intervention through Article 5. For Panama, it may be a different scenario. Trump has instead focused on economic tariffs to achieve his goals, especially with Panama to achieve a deal to lower the transit cost for American vessels. Ironically, if President Trump threatens tariffs in Panama, it may cause the Panama government to lean more toward China consequently.
AFP Stach / Ritzau Scanpix
So, what does Trump want with his global goal? Is he joking, or could it be potentially something more? It is my belief like many other analysts that Trump wants to make a deal with these nations. For example, Greenland is extraordinarily rich in resources and minerals. The territory also houses an American base. The president-elect wants to either gain some kind of control over these minerals or to expand America's footprint in the Arctic against Russia and China.
When it comes to Panama, Trump wants to look at a fair-trade deal for American vessels that are entering the canal, to have better access to the trade route. With Canada, Trump is playing around with the outgoing Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, playing on the whole joke about American expansion into Canada. Our northern neighbor does offer a strategic route in the arctic known as the Northwest Passage, the melting of the Arctic ice caps is seen as beneficial not just for trade but for military use. However, these comments made by the president-elect have sparked controversy with the governments of these nations.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Edges, stated: “We don’t want to be Americans.” Canada has also stated dismayed at the idea, especially with the opposition parties in Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada has stated that “It’s not going to happen.” American expansion is unpopular with the governments of North America. However, with America experiencing another four years of the Trump Administration, we shall see what will happen.
Have an opposing viewpoint to this opinion? Let us know. All views are welcome. Send your thoughts to our Editorial Staff – Editor Thomas Szot tszot@student.dean.edu or Dean Daily Faculty Advisor, Professor John Rooke jrooke@dean.edu
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