Trump and Greenland: the law of the strong or a new world policy
23 January 08:42
The world order, which for decades has been based on international law, is increasingly entering a phase of profound transformation. What was considered unthinkable just a few years ago — the forceful redrawing of borders, open disregard for the sovereignty of states, public statements about the possible seizure of allies’ territories — is now being discussed without diplomatic euphemisms.
Donald Trump’s statements about acquiring or controlling Greenland, as well as alarming signals from the island’s leadership, only confirm that rules that seemed unbreakable no longer guarantee stability.
In this context, Russia’s war against Ukraine has become not only a regional conflict, but a turning point in the global security system. Has the violation of the basic principles of international law created a dangerous precedent that other global players will now use? Is the logic of “might makes right” gradually replacing deterrence mechanisms, with geopolitical decisions now more often being made from a position of strength rather than agreements? The answer is in the article “Kommersant Ukrainian.”
Donald Trump’s statement about his desire to buy or even take Greenland by force is not an eccentric fantasy. It follows directly from the events of recent years. This is how Grigory Tamar, an officer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and military-political analyst, explains it in a comment to the publication "Komersant Ukrainian"
“I will express an opinion for which I may be criticized. But it was not Trump who opened this Pandora’s box. It was opened by Putin, who, in the current circumstances, simply disregarded international law on matters of fundamental importance,” Tamar emphasized.
According to the IDF officer, after the violation of the basic rules of the world order, a dangerous but logical question arose.
“If that was possible, then why can’t Trump do it? Especially since Trump’s power and Putin’s power cannot even be compared,” Grigory Tamar
That is why Trump is increasingly demonstrating “might makes right” behavior, openly questioning the traditional obligations of the United States to its allies.
Why does Trump want Greenland?
The expert also draws attention to the strategic value of Greenland, which has increased dramatically in the context of global confrontation.
“Recent operations against Russian tankers, particularly those involving British air and naval forces, clearly demonstrate how important this region is,” Tamar notes.
Control over Greenland makes it possible to completely control key communications between Europe and the North Atlantic.
“With unlimited rights to build military bases in this region, it is possible to control all strategic routes between Old Europe and the North Atlantic. Therefore, it is perfectly understandable why Trump needs Greenland,” says Tamar.
Against this backdrop, statements by the Prime Minister of Greenland, who called on the population to prepare for a possible military scenario, have become an alarming signal. This indicates a breakdown of the old security system, in which even previously unthinkable scenarios no longer seem fantastical.
“The question is whether Europe has the political will to pass this test — both for the European Union and for NATO,” concludes Grigory Tamar.
It is clear that the discussions surrounding Greenland are not about the island. They are about a new reality in which force is increasingly trying to replace law.
