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Why Trump eyes Greenland, Panama Canal and Canada 

Published : Sunday, 19 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 595
Mst Samiha 
Akter Salma
Donald Trump, the 47th president of the USA, is going to be inaugurated on Monday, January 20, 2025. During the election campaign period, Trump promised to stop wars. However, after winning the election, he demanded control over Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada as the 51st state of America. He claims these regions are "Critical to America's economic and defense security". However, many questions and debates have arisen. But, surely, his statements have ignited tension in global politics. 

Why Greenland? Greenland, the largest island in the world, is an autonomous territory with 56,865 people. But it is administrated by Denmark, Which is responsible for Greenland's foreign affairs, defense, citizenship, currency, and monetary policy. 

The USA has regarded Greenland as a critical component of its national security. This is why Trump has offered to purchase Greenland Island. First of all, its geostrategic importance. Greenland's location is between North America and Europe making it a critical link for transatlantic operations and global commerce. Controlling the GIUK (Greenland- Iceland & United-kingdom) gap can strengthen NATO's defense strategy. 

Second, Greenland is rich in natural resources like uranium, petroleum, crude oil, and natural gas. Acquiring this territory could significantly boost the USA's economic growth. Due to climate change, Arctic ice is melting. Potentially creating new shipping routes.  Greenland could become a hub for global trade and resource extraction. 

And the most important reason is to counter Russia and China, as Greenland plays a role as a strategic buffer zone. If the USA can take control of Greenland, it would be the 2nd largest country by area. 

Why The Panama Canal?  The Panama Canal accounts for 6% of global maritime trade and handles 40% of USA container traffic. It is linked between the Atlantic Ocean to pacific-ocean and was built by the USA between 1904 and 1914. Although the USA controlled this canal until 1999 and under the Torrijos Carter treaties, it was handed over to Panama. 

But suddenly, just before entering the White House, Trump gave a statement that he wanted to regain control of the Panama Canal. So now the question is why? Trump claimed that "the USA needs the canal for economic security". 

Also, he said, "The Panama Canal is vital to our country. It's being operated by China. China! And we gave the Panama Canal to Panama. We didn't give it to China, and they've abused it. They've abused that gift. It should have never been made."



As China is becoming a threat to the USA economically, if China operates the Panama Canal, it will be more threatening to the USA. That's why the USA wants to control over Panama Canal. 

 Through here China denied this claim. And China's spokesperson stated, "Always respect Panama's sovereignty over the Canal and recognize the Canal as a permanently neutral international waterway". 
Why Canada? Canada, the neighboring country of the USA is larger than America in terms of land area. After Justin Trudeau's resignation as Canadian Prime Minister, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump proposed a merger between Canada and the United States suggesting that such a union would eliminate tariffs and lower taxes, potentially benefiting both nations. 

The USA subsidizes Canada USD200- USD250 Billion a year. Trump claimed that Canada is benefiting from the USA without any return. On the other hand, Canada is contributing less than 1% of its GPD to NATO, leaving the USA to bear the financial burden.  

Additionally, Trump mentioned, that Canada takes away 20% of the USA's car market without imposing any tariff. And if the USA imposes tariffs and reduces subsidiaries then Canada won't be able to survive economically. On the flip side, it has a very weak military system. 

On this point, Trump proposed to Trudeau that "If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them," he also added, "What a great Nation it would be!" 

Global Reactions: If America takes control of Greenland and Canada, it would become the largest country in the world by area. Though the prime minister of Greenland, Mute Bourup Egede, firmly stated that "Greenland is not for sale, It is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom". 

On the other hand, Panama's foreign minister declared that the Panama Canal was non-negotiable, asserting that the Panamanian people would never hand it over to the USA. 

And lastly, Trudeau rejected the Trump's proposal outright, reaffirming Canada's sovereignty. 

There are only a few days left before Trump's inauguration. Critics argue that all these moves are solely for the USA's national interests and security. Others claim that the USA is attempting to maintain its global hegemony. This year will be crucial for all world leaders as they respond to Trump's contradictory stances- promising to end wars while demanding territories.

The writer is a 3rd year student, Department of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University


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