Donald Trump’s Greenland Initiative: A Strategic Move in Geopolitics

Donald Trump has made a name for himself as a real-estate mogul.

As president, he may take on a similar role.

His potential foreign policy directions in a second term have taken a surprising shift, with discussions of annexing Canada, purchasing Greenland, and regaining the Panama Canal.

Instead of the typical neo-isolationist stance often attributed to him, Trump’s rhetoric resembles that of a neo-imperialist, particularly within our hemisphere.

Even if none of these actions come to fruition, as he’s largely joking about Canada, his thoughts highlight the critical role geography and territorial control play.

To truly understand global dynamics and the actions of nations, one must examine a map.

As noted by 20th-century strategist Nicholas Spykman, “Geography is the most fundamental factor in the foreign policy of states because it is the most permanent.”

“Ministers may change, even dictators may pass away, but mountain ranges remain steadfast.”

The notion that the world is “flat,” as espoused by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, is a fallacy propagated by a complacent view of globalism.

Indeed, the world is filled with mountains and plains; rivers and coastlines; climates ranging from temperate to tropical to arid.

Certain nations are secure due to their geographic positions, while others find themselves exposed; some are naturally abundant, while others grapple with scarcity.

To comprehend Britain, for instance, one must recognize that it is an island—“this precious stone set in the silver sea,” as Shakespeare put it.

This fundamental reality has significantly influenced the strategic approach and national identity of Britain.

It explains why it evolved into a naval power dedicated to global commerce and why distant territories seemed relatively accessible—thanks to the surrounding seas.

The English Channel has served as a crucial buffer between Britain and mainland Europe.

There’s a reason why Nazi Germany invaded Poland, France, the Soviet Union, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Italy—but not Britain.

Robert Kaplan, in his insightful book “The Revenge of Geography,” notes that Germany “faces both east and west without the protection of mountain ranges, leading to various inclinations from militarism to emerging pacifism to navigate its precarious position.”

The United States enjoys unique geographical advantages.

Our status as both a continental and island nation is of immense significance, merging the extensive resources of the former with the protection from hostile powers found with the latter.

We possess plentiful natural resources, extensive coastlines, a vast river system, and a generous share of the world’s prime agricultural land, among numerous other benefits.

The fact that our territory stretches from coast to coast was no coincidence.

Our ancestors championed continental expansion as a key geopolitical strategy, whether through the Louisiana Purchase or the Mexican-American War.

They believed it would enhance our strength and security, and while their methods were sometimes questionable, they were fundamentally right.

Control over territory plays a significant role, even regarding relatively small land areas.

Take Hawaii, for example.

Its strategic location in the Pacific, positioned along crucial shipping routes, has vast implications.

Powers were drawn to it in the 19th century, as naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan advocated for its acquisition.

Everyone is aware of the pivotal role Pearl Harbor played during World War II, and Hawaii continues to be a vital economic and military asset as the “Crossroads of the Pacific.”

The idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark is no more absurd than any other acquisition the U.S. has made, including buying the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1917 from Denmark.

Greenland has piqued the interest of prominent American leaders like Harry Truman and William Seward.

With its strategic Arctic location and abundance of mineral resources, it presents an attractive opportunity.

While geography isn’t the sole factor, when it comes to geopolitics, real estate often reigns supreme.

Twitter: @RichLowry