US President-elect Donald Trump’s territorial ambitions, including threatening Canada, unilaterally annexing Greenland, and overriding Panama’s sovereignty for security reasons, have sparked widespread skepticism among experts and citizens alike. While many assume his remarks carry little real significance, it is possible that Trump is being gratuitously disruptive or genuinely serious about expanding US influence.
Historically, US administrations aggressively pursued their own colonial empires in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, annexing Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, Puerto Rico, and other territories. This imperialist past has continued to shape American foreign policy, with Washington promoting its interests through military bases, trade concessions, and economic leverage.
Trump’s motivations for expanding US territory are likely driven by security concerns, particularly in relation to China and Russia. Greenland holds valuable mineral resources and strategic importance as the Arctic sea ice melts. Trump sees an opportunity to strengthen US influence and boost his “America First” agenda, which emphasizes protectionist trade policies and tariffs.
Despite Canada’s robust rejection of annexation fantasies, Trump’s mercantilist thinking is rooted in historical precedents. Justin Trudeau warns that Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports would significantly increase prices for consumers.
The broader point is that Trump’s neo-imperialist tendencies are part of a deliberate strategy to disrupt and destabilize global politics. This approach has been amplified by his sycophantic office boy, Elon Musk, who advances a Trump agenda focused on control through transactional deal-making, intimidation, and manipulation.
As the world prepares for the four-year Trump presidency, Britain and like-minded countries must take a stand against this imperious leadership style. Drawing a line now is crucial to preventing being steamrolled into subservience and satrapy, as Greenland’s leaders have bravely done in opposing Trump’s territorial ambitions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/11/the-observer-view-donald-trumps-imperial-bullying-must-be-nipped-in-the-bud