President-elect Donald Trump has refused to rule out the use of force to annex the Panama Canal and Greenland, while brandishing the economic threat against Canada. An unprecedented escalation that…
During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago with a particularly provocative tone, US President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out the possibility of a annexation by force of two strategic territories: the Panama Canal and the Greenland. An unprecedented verbal escalation, which risks further straining relations with these regions as well as with Canada, also threatened with economic reprisals.
Panama and Greenland, “vital” for the United States according to Trump
Asked about a possible use of armed forces to seize the Panama Canal, the nerve center of global maritime trade, as well as Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, Donald Trump declared: “I can’t assure you about either of them.”. He then insisted that these two areas were “very important for economic security” of his country. A martial rhetoric which contrasts with diplomatic tradition and which leaves the specter of open conflict hovering.
The Panama Canal, a Trumpian obsession
This is not the first time that the Republican leader has mentioned a takeover of the Panama Canal. He has already stated several times that he wants to regain control if toll rates for American ships are not lowered. During his press conference, he once again castigated the agreement signed in 1977 by Jimmy Carter, which resulted in a transfer of sovereignty to Panama in 1999. A “gift” that he considers clearly regrettable.
-Greenland, a major geostrategic issue
As for Greenland, Donald Trump had already declared before Christmas that “For national security and freedom around the world, the United States believes that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity”. In troubling timing, his son Donald Trump Jr arrived on the island shortly after these declarations, officially as a “tourist” and without meetings planned with local authorities. It’s hard not to see a link with American territorial aims.
Maximum pressure on Canada
The other target of threats from the future tenant of the White House is Canada. After having suggested the day before that it would be in the interest of this country to become the 51st American state, Trump threatened to use “economic strength” against this historic ally, who according to him would be “subsidized” by Washington for his protection. Incendiary remarks when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has just resigned, creating a political vacuum conducive to pressure.
The international community holds its breath
These new thunderous outings from Donald Trump portend strong geopolitical tensions for the start of his mandate. If many of his campaign statements were taken lightly, many now fear that he will actually follow through on his threats once in office. Panama and Denmark, on which Greenland depends, as well as Canada, are in any case more than ever on their guard against this unpredictable leader, ready to do anything to establish American hegemony. The next few months promise to be decisive.
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