Rethinking Trump's Greenland and Panama Ambitions: A Case of Strategic Negotiation
It seems like very few people have taken the time to truly understand President-Elect Donald Trump’s approach, particularly regarding his interest in acquiring Greenland or re-acquiring the Panama Canal Zone. If we paid closer attention, especially to his book The Art of the Deal, it becomes clear that Trump operates with a businessman’s mindset, in stark contrast to the dictatorial habits of career politicians.
The Businessman’s Playbook: Negotiation, Not Dictation
While politicians might occasionally compromise, their methods often revolve around choosing which group suffers the most, instead of creating mutual advantage. A businessman, on the other hand, seeks opportunities for a win-win outcome wherever possible. This is a fundamental principle of Trump’s approach.
Enter "The Big Ask" — a tactic familiar to businessmen and lawyers alike. This involves starting negotiations with an audacious demand, something far beyond what the other party could reasonably agree to, with the expectation that the final settlement will land somewhere more favorable than initially hoped. This is a cornerstone of how demand letters and major deals are structured.
When Trump floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, many reacted as though he envisioned legions of polar bears painted orange storming Nuuk to erect a golden Trump Tower. Yet, if the Danes and Greenlanders were to agree to a sovereignty deal, Trump would undoubtedly welcome it. After all, territorial expansion signals a dynamic, growing nation—a concept deeply rooted in strategic statecraft.
However, the more realistic scenario isn’t outright acquisition but rather some form of negotiated settlement. This could include leasing additional bases like Thule Air Base, securing Arctic trade routes, or establishing economic ties with Greenland to bridge the gap between Europe and America. Trump’s ultimate aim here? Growing American power.
Why Panama Might Be the Bigger Goal
Shifting focus from the Arctic to the Americas, the Panama Canal represents a much more pressing strategic interest. While Greenland offers symbolic and long-term economic opportunities, the canal is a critical artery for global trade, valued at over $3 billion annually.
Trump has long criticized Jimmy Carter’s decision to relinquish control of the Panama Canal, calling it shortsighted and detrimental to U.S. interests. Unlike Greenland, securing the canal is not just about prestige or economics—it’s about ensuring a secure waterway for trade. With modern threats like drones and small-scale explosives, even a single bad actor on the canal’s banks could disrupt global shipping. For the U.S., physical control over this vital route may be the only way to guarantee security.
A Return to Realpolitik
In a world where Russia is actively redrawing borders, territorial acquisition is no longer an unthinkable strategy. Trump has shown he’s unafraid to challenge the Washington establishment’s aversion to such actions. If territorial sovereignty achieves critical strategic goals, it’s back on the table—unless, of course, a better deal can be struck.
Trump’s approach to Greenland and Panama isn’t about imperialistic fantasies but about leveraging negotiation tactics to achieve concrete strategic advantages. The question isn’t whether he will acquire these territories but how he will navigate the art of the deal to expand American influence.
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