Trump's Denmark claims: Strategic moves or risky gambit?
Donald Trump uses claims against Denmark as part of his negotiation tactics, says Zbigniew Pisarski from the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation. The expert believes that Trump's actions should be judged based on deeds, not words.
Donald Trump, the President-elect of the USA, is using claims against Denmark as an element of his negotiation tactics. Zbigniew Pisarski, president of the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation, emphasizes that this approach is not new, as the Trump administration has made similar proposals in the past.
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,
Pisarski recalls that the Prime Minister of Greenland, Kim Kielsen, responded to these claims with a counterproposal to purchase US territories, highlighting the low price due to the country's debt. He 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 words. Pisarski emphasized that although the president-elect's statements are often controversial, they frequently precede actions consistent with American policy.
Climate change and the strategic importance of Greenland
Climate change is increasing Greenland's strategic importance. The shipping routes around the island are becoming more accessible, and the USA shares a border in the Arctic with Russia. The U.S. administration's increased interest in this region is understandable. Americans already have a military base there, and Trump's statements may be an attempt to increase this presence.
Pisarski notes that Trump's pressure is a negotiation element that may lead to diplomatic actions. It is similar to the Panama Canal, where Trump may seek to obtain preferential transit conditions for American companies. These actions are aimed 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. It may speed up negotiations but at the same time weaken Western unity.
Pisarski emphasizes that the only way to bring about territorial changes is through diplomacy within the framework of international law. Any other scenario could lead to tensions in transatlantic relations.
