Washington: Former US President Abraham Lincoln has a famous statement, ‘If you want to test a man’s character, give him strength.’ Donald Trump has now got immense power from Abraham Lincoln’s Republican Party. Since becoming the President of America, Trump has been continuously making expansionist statements. His statements are such that even an expansionist country like China should feel ashamed. Trump has talked about making Canada the 51st state of America and he has also been talking about making Greenland and the Panama Canal a part of America. In this article, we will learn about Greenland, why does Trump talk about making Greenland a part of America and what is the importance of this region?
Where is Greenland?
Whenever you look at the world map, you will see a huge white area over North America. This is Greenland. It is located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Europe and America. Greenland is larger in size than Saudi Arabia and Mexico, but despite this it is not an independent country. Greenland is an autonomous region of Denmark, and Denmark oversees the foreign policy and security of Greenland.
Greenland. AP
Why is America interested?
Greenland appears covered with ice from above, but it is extremely important from a strategic point of view. There are huge reserves of minerals and fossil fuels here. America, Russia and China all have their eyes set on the region. The US Pitufik Space Base is located in Greenland, which was an important strategic site during the Cold War and remains important today for defense against Russia, China and North Korea. Rare minerals are found in Greenland, which are no less than a treasure today. They are used in technical equipment, electric vehicles and weapons. Currently, China dominates the global market of these minerals. Trump believes that by capturing Greenland, America can leave China behind in this region.
For this reason also, does Trump want capture?
Trump’s statement can be considered a sign of expansionist mentality, but according to him, a major threat is arising from Russia and China. Russian generals have been talking about capturing Greenland. In December last year, Denmark warned of military confrontation over Russia’s aggressive threats. Ulrik Pram Gad, senior researcher at the Denmark-based Institute for International Studies, told CNN, ‘The US wants to ensure that no hostile force takes over Greenland, because it could become a security threat to the US.’
Bid was made to buy Greenland
America has bought shares of many countries in the past also. Before purchasing Alaska, the United States purchased Louisiana from France in 1803 for $15 million. President Andrew Johnson had considered Greenland’s resources and location ideal for acquisition in 1867, but took no formal steps. A century later, President Harry S. Truman offered Denmark $100 million for Greenland in 1946, and also considered giving up parts of Alaska in exchange for Greenland. However, this deal never came into existence. Trump also tried in 2019. Now it remains to be seen what Trump is able to do about this in his second term.
Tags: Donald Trump, international news, US Election, world news
FIRST PUBLISHED: January 8, 2025, 14:47 IST
>
