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**”Donald Trump is an imperialistic president appearing for the first time in a century.”**
In a recent article, **The Economist** highlighted that Trump, who aims to gain control over the Panama Canal and Greenland, even by force, is taking a different path compared to recent U.S. Presidents. The magazine noted that since William McKinley (in office from 1897 to 1901), whom Trump referred to as a “great president,” few American presidents have exhibited such imperialistic behavior. McKinley annexed territories like Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico to U.S. holdings.
**Will Trump’s dream of becoming a “second McKinley” be realized?** In particular, will Greenland, which holds significant economic and security implications, really become part of the United States? WEEKLY BIZ questioned three international law and security experts about the feasibility of the U.S. “purchasing” Greenland.
**Buying another country’s territory is possible**
Acquiring territory through purchase is feasible. Jacques Hartmann, a professor at the University of Dundee Law School in the UK, stated, “Although not common, it’s not impossible to buy land.” John Alterman of the U.S. think tank CSIS noted, “In 1917, the U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark.”
In 1803, the U.S. acquired the vast Louisiana Territory, which included over 12 current states, from France for $15 million. This played a significant role in the current formation of the United States by securing passage for Americans to the western frontier.
In 1867, the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a decision initially criticized, with people mockingly calling it “Seward’s Icebox” after then-Secretary of State William Seward. However, oil and gold were later discovered in Alaska.
During World War I, the U.S. bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark, pressuring Denmark with, “If you don’t sell the islands, America will take them before Germany does.”
**Greenland has self-determination under international law**
Experts indicate that purchasing Greenland is another matter due to its autonomy. Professor Hartmann mentioned, “Greenland possesses ‘self-determination’ as guaranteed by Danish domestic law and international law,” emphasizing that U.S. acquisition would require Greenlanders’ consent. Security expert Jeppe Strandsbjerg from the University of Greenland added, “Trump’s proposal ignores the fundamental principles of self-determination,” asserting that Greenlanders hold decision-making power over their territory.
The 2009 Greenland Self-Government Act begins by acknowledging that “the people of Greenland is a people with the right to self-determination under international law.” Considering Danish law and these international legal norms, U.S. territorial pursuits are not straightforward.
**Denmark was not merely a colonial victim**
After World War II, many colonies gained independence. Professor Hartmann indicated, “Greenland was different from other colonies colonized during the imperialistic era,” having been under Danish control since missionary Hans Egede arrived in 1721 (effective colony rule began in 1814), being perceived as part of Denmark for centuries.
Greenland did not become an independent nation like other colonies but was nevertheless treated as an independent “partner” by Denmark. Professor Hartmann highlighted that Denmark amended its constitution in 1953 to recognize Greenland as an equal territory, not a colony, a change also acknowledged by the UN in 1954. Subsequently, Danish domestic laws in 1979 and 2009 further secured Greenland’s autonomy.
While the fate of Greenland lies with its residents, diplomatic and defense-related matters generally require discussions with Denmark, emphasizing Denmark’s input. Alterman noted, “Denmark doesn’t seem interested in selling Greenland, and their stance is unlikely to change.”
**Greenlanders do not want to become Americans**
While Greenlanders are friendly to the U.S., they don’t seem eager to embrace American citizenship. Professor Strandsbjerg said, “Greenland seeks to strengthen ties with the North American region, but this doesn’t mean they want to become Americans.”
When Germany occupied Denmark in WWII, then-Danish ambassador to the U.S., Henrik Kauffmann, signed a “Greenland Defense Agreement” with the U.S., allowing military bases construction. However, Professor Strandsbjerg noted, “The U.S. military bases in Greenland left several historical scars, such as excessive secrecy, scandals, and environmental issues.” Currently, Greenland hosts the Pituffik Space Base led by the U.S. Space Force.
**Denmark is a NATO member**
Could the U.S. forcibly annex Greenland? Alterman mentioned, “It’s inconceivable that the U.S. would confront Denmark, a NATO member.” Professor Strandsbjerg pointed out, “Trump’s statements contradict general diplomatic norms and reverse general expectations among allies,” leading to some anxiety in Greenland. Strandsbjerg highlighted, “Anxiety is indeed emerging in Greenland.”
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