Across the world, Donald Trump’s statements about territorial expansion, recolonisation and the use of force are followed closely because they offer pathways to local ambitions
A few weeks after being elected US president for a second time, Donald Trump made a startling declaration. Choosing to announce the appointment of a new ambassador to Denmark on Truth Social, the president-elect added that: “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the USA feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
This followed comments made a day earlier while in Arizona. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair; this complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop.” If shipping rates were not lowered, said Trump, “we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question”.
