However, no one had anticipated his speech on the possible annexation of Greenland, the confiscation of the Panama Canal and the annexation of Canada. At first glance one would think of an antics worthy of the gala dinner for press correspondents in Washington, but the intention was taken seriously enough in the countries concerned to cause astonishment and indignation. It is true that this caricatured manifestation of an imperialism from another age provokes fear.
“An absolute necessity”: why Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland
If Denmark fears that Trump’s obsession (already expressed during his first term) will fuel separatism in Greenland, Canada is worried about possible economic coercion – a province like New Brunswick receives 92% of its exports to the American market. The arrogance and contempt displayed by Elon Musk, who has become the eminence grise of the President-elect, towards the resigning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is not likely to reassure – and leaves all the more stunned since the billionaire is of Canadian origin through his mother.
“Many Canadians want their country to become the 51st state”: Donald Trump’s astonishing proposal for Canada
The solidity of the transatlantic bond and the solidarity between Western democracies are being shaken at a time when they should, on the contrary, be cherished and strengthened. Between climate challenge (the spectacular fire in Los Angeles reminds us again) and geopolitical perils (the Middle East is more than ever a powder keg which revives the risk of terrorism), between Chinese ambition and Russian frustration, between the rise of extremes and the decline of pragmatism , the time is more than ever for cooperation in the West, and not for confrontation, especially when this is the fruit of a hubris as distressing and misplaced as the egos which inspire it.