Donald Trump’s Desire for Expansion Is Extremely Dangerous*
Published in Der Standard
(Austria) on 8 January 2025
by Fabian Sommavilla (link to original)
The soon-to-be U.S. president does not rule out the use of force against NATO partners in order to push his geostrategic interests in Greenland or the Panama Canal.
On Jan. 20, Donald Trump returns to the White House. In the Oval Office sits not only the most powerful person, but usually, also the leader of the free world, who upholds the rights of democracy and freedom against anyone who tries to trample them or tries to push back borders by force.
The U.S. has done many bad things, such as interventions favoring military dictatorships or regime overthrows for geostrategic interests, leaving behind scorched earth, conflicts and thousands upon thousands of deaths. But recently, interventionism seemed to be on the decline and was frowned upon, especially by Trump. After all, his interest and all his resources should serve to make America great again.
Threatening Like a Dictator
However, if Trump now wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America before even taking office and doesn't rule out either economic blackmail or armed force to regain sovereignty over the Panama Canal and take over Greenland, all alarm bells must be ringing. As understandable as it is to demand higher NATO contributions, his desire for expansion is unacceptable. If autocrats and dictators such as Vladimir Putin or Kim Jong Un were to threaten NATO allies like Denmark so blatantly just to enforce geopolitical interests, there would rightly be special meetings at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Someone with influence over Trump should bring him to his senses. But who can do that to the most powerful person in the world?
*Editor's Note: This article is available in its original language with a paid subscription.
On Jan. 20, Donald Trump returns to the White House. In the Oval Office sits not only the most powerful person, but usually, also the leader of the free world, who upholds the rights of democracy and freedom against anyone who tries to trample them or tries to push back borders by force.
The U.S. has done many bad things, such as interventions favoring military dictatorships or regime overthrows for geostrategic interests, leaving behind scorched earth, conflicts and thousands upon thousands of deaths. But recently, interventionism seemed to be on the decline and was frowned upon, especially by Trump. After all, his interest and all his resources should serve to make America great again.
Threatening Like a Dictator
However, if Trump now wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America before even taking office and doesn't rule out either economic blackmail or armed force to regain sovereignty over the Panama Canal and take over Greenland, all alarm bells must be ringing. As understandable as it is to demand higher NATO contributions, his desire for expansion is unacceptable. If autocrats and dictators such as Vladimir Putin or Kim Jong Un were to threaten NATO allies like Denmark so blatantly just to enforce geopolitical interests, there would rightly be special meetings at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Someone with influence over Trump should bring him to his senses. But who can do that to the most powerful person in the world?
*Editor's Note: This article is available in its original language with a paid subscription.
Previous article![]( "Global Islamophobia Frontman Elon Musk’s War against Britain")
Next article![]( "Pressure Instead of Diplomacy")