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Expansion Plans? What's Behind Donald Trump's Approach to Canada, Greenland and Panama?

Let's Baylor's expert on International security help if you're covering

Jan 23, 2025

2 min

Peter Campbell, Ph.D.

With the inauguration of President Donald Trump just days away, there are many people in America and abroad who are watching and waiting on the first moves of the incoming Trump administration.


President Trump has been giving some bold suggestions about the importance of places like Greenland, Canada and Panama to America's national and economic security.


Some are explaining Trump's approach as a negotiating tactic to spur on deeper conversations. Others are concerned there's some seriousness to his plans for expansion.


Either way, it's getting a lot of coverage as the countdown is on to his resumption of the country's leadership.



Last week, Trump waded boldly into global affairs — but he barely touched on those purported priorities. Instead, at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, he focused on a list of obscure, arguably eccentric goals: acquiring Greenland from Denmark, absorbing Canada as a very large 51st state, and retaking control of the Panama Canal.

The president-elect said he would bring all three territories under U.S. control through economic coercion, but did not rule out using force to seize Greenland and the canal. January 13 - Los Angeles Times




“That would really be something,” Trump said of the United States' taking control of Canada.

“You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. And it would also be much better for national security,” Trump said. “They’re great, but we’re spending hundreds of billions here to protect it.” Trump said that the subsidies include substantial military support and that the United States loses out through trade deficits. January 07 - NBC News




President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his desire for the US to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, calling both critical to American national security.

Asked if he would rule out using military or economic force in order to take over the autonomous Danish territory or the Canal, he responded: "No, I can't assure you on either of those two.

"But I can say this, we need them for economic security," he told reporters during a wide-ranging news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Both Denmark and Panama have rejected any suggestion that they would give up territory. January 08 - BBC



The coverage has been intense, but there are still some questions to be asked:


  • How would the world and America's allies react if President Trump applies pressure or force to make any of these countries comply?
  • How might relations between Trump and the U.S. military and intelligence community change in his second term?
  • And, is this just a tactic or could President Trump possibly be serious about his plans?


Looking to know more?


Professor Peter Campbell studies international security, civil-military relations, international relations and policy relevance.


Peter is available to speak with media about this ongoing topic - simply click on is icon now to arrange an interview today.



Connect with:
Peter Campbell, Ph.D.

Peter Campbell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Political Science

Expert in international security, civil-military relations, policy relevance, grand strategy, "just war" tradition & cyber warfare

Just War TheoryInternational RelationsInternational SecurityCounterinsurgency

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