Trump's Greenland gambit: Testing the waters with Denmark
According to Zbigniew Pisarski from the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation, Donald Trump uses claims against Denmark as part of his negotiation tactics. The expert believes that Trump's actions should be assessed based on deeds, not words.
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the USA, is employing claims against Denmark as a strategy in his negotiation tactics. Zbigniew Pisarski, president of the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation, highlights that this approach is not new, as the Trump administration has previously made similar proposals.
Donald Trump's territorial claims against Denmark are not a new idea. In 2019, Donald Trump's administration made such a proposal to the Danes, and it was rejected by the Danish government, pointed out Zbigniew Pisarski, as quoted by PAP.
Pisarski recalls that the Prime Minister of Greenland, Kim Kielsen, responded to these claims with a counterproposal to purchase US territories, citing the low price due to the country's debt. They also raised a "historical argument about the 'discovery of America' by Greenlanders."
The expert notes that Trump's policy should be evaluated based on his actions, not just his words. Pisarski emphasized that although the president-elect's statements often stir controversy, they frequently precede actions consistent with American policy.
Climate change and the strategic importance of Greenland
Climate change is enhancing Greenland's strategic importance. The shipping routes around the island are becoming more accessible, and the USA shares an Arctic border with Russia. The increased interest in this region by the U.S. administration is understandable. Americans already have a military base there, and Trump's statements may be an attempt to boost this presence.
Pisarski notes that Trump's pressure is a negotiation tactic that may lead to diplomatic actions. This is similar to the situation with the Panama Canal, where Trump may seek preferential transit conditions for American companies. These actions are directed at many countries, including Denmark, Germany, Mexico, and Canada.
Risk to ally relations
The expert warns that such methods may confuse allied relations, especially among EU and NATO countries. Aggressive territorial changes are impossible, and Trump's actions are a risky negotiation strategy. While it may expedite negotiations, it could simultaneously weaken Western unity.
Pisarski emphasizes that the only path to territorial changes is through diplomacy within the framework of international law. Any alternative scenario could lead to tensions in transatlantic relations.
