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Trump Cites Monroe Doctrine in Renewed Push for Greenland Amid Arctic Geopolitical Tensions

Jan 20, 2025, 01:14 PM

Donald Trump, the incoming U.S. president, has reignited his controversial interest in acquiring Greenland, a territory under Denmark's control. Trump has described the acquisition as essential for U.S. national security and the protection of the free world, citing the Monroe Doctrine to justify his stance. Greenland, the world's largest island, is geopolitically significant due to its location in the Arctic and its vast natural resources, including oil, gas, and rare earth minerals. The melting ice caused by climate change has made these resources more accessible and opened new commercial and military navigation routes. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea, with Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede emphasizing the island's autonomy and stating, 'We are not for sale.' Trump's renewed push for Greenland has drawn criticism from European leaders, with parallels being drawn to Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories. The Danish government has expressed concerns about the potential for a diplomatic crisis, while Greenland's residents remain skeptical of U.S. intentions. The proposal also raises environmental concerns, as the exploitation of Greenland's resources could exacerbate climate change. Additionally, China's and Russia's influence in the Arctic, as well as the longstanding presence of a U.S. military base in Greenland, have added layers of complexity to the issue. Trump's broader expansionist rhetoric includes aspirations to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal and annex Canada, further fueling international tensions.