In recent days the president-elect has called for asserting U.S. control over the Panama Canal and Greenland, showing that his “America First” philosophy has an expansionist dimension.
The main conceptual idea of the NYT article "Trump’s Wish to Control Greenland and Panama Canal: Not a Joke This Time" is that while previously dismissed as outlandish, President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland and exerting greater control over the Panama Canal is now being taken seriously. The article highlights the potential motivations behind these ambitions, including: * Geopolitical influence: Acquiring Greenland would grant the US greater strategic control in the Arctic, while increased influence over the Panama Canal could solidify its economic and military dominance in the Americas. * Resource control: Greenland possesses vast untapped mineral resources, while the Panama Canal is a vital trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The article also cautions against the implications of these actions, emphasizing the potential for: * Damage to international relations: Attempts to acquire territory or exert undue control over vital waterways could provoke backlash from other nations. * Setting a dangerous precedent: Allowing a powerful country to unilaterally seize assets or dictate terms could undermine global stability and the rule of law. Overall, the article presents a serious analysis of Trump's motivations and the potential consequences of his aspirations to control Greenland and the Panama Canal.
