Trump's negotiation gambit: Denmark claims stir tensions
Donald Trump uses claims against Denmark as a negotiation tactic, claims Zbigniew Pisarski from the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation. According to the expert, 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 part of his negotiation tactic. Zbigniew Pisarski, the president of the Kazimierz Pulaski Foundation, emphasizes that this approach is not new; 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, indicated Zbigniew Pisarski, quoted by PAP.
Pisarski recalls that Greenland's Prime Minister, Kim Kielsen, responded to these claims with a counterproposal to purchase U.S. territories, emphasizing the low price due to the country's debt. They also raised the "historical argument" about the Greenlanders' "discovery of America."
The expert notes that Trump's policy should be judged based on his actions, not words. Pisarski highlighted that although the President-elect's statements are often controversial, they often precede actions consistent with American policy.
Climate change and the strategic importance of Greenland
Climate change is increasing Greenland's strategic importance. Shipping routes around the island are becoming more accessible, and the USA is bordered by Russia in the Arctic. The increased interest in this region by the American administration 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. The same goes for 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 alliance relations
The expert warns that such methods could cause confusion in alliance relations, especially among EU and NATO countries. Aggressive territorial changes are impossible, and Trump's actions are a risky negotiation strategy. It may accelerate negotiations but, at the same time, weaken Western unity.
Pisarski emphasizes that the only way to territorial changes is diplomacy within the framework of international law. Any other scenario could lead to tensions in transatlantic relations.
