“Trump and Musk shake up geopolitics and economics: the key statements” | EUROtoday

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In current weeks, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have made quite a few statements which have reignited controversy on problems with essential geopolitical and financial significance. From Greenland to NATO, as much as inside problems with the European Union, the 2 protagonists proceed to draw international consideration, with statements that elevate questions on the way forward for worldwide relations and public debate.

Trump: Greenland, Canada and NATO at 5% of GDP

Donald Trump has as soon as once more shocked us with statements that defy conventional geopolitical conventions and analyses. Recently, he declared that “Greenland is an opportunity that the United States cannot pass up,” and referred to as Canada a “country that takes advantage of our generosity,” reigniting previous protectionist controversies.

Is Greenland again on the agenda?

The former president has revived an previous obsession of his administration: the acquisition of Greenland. This proposal displays the rising significance of the Arctic, each for its huge pure assets, corresponding to oil and gasoline, and for the strategic management of the commerce routes which can be opening up because of the melting of the ice. Trump argued that such an acquisition would put the United States better off over different international powers, corresponding to China and Russia, that are already investing closely within the area. In a current interview, he referred to as the Danish territory “strategically crucial to the future of the United States,” including that “countries that don’t exploit their natural resources are just wasting opportunities.” A remark that sparked ironic but in addition frightened reactions from Denmark and worldwide observers, given the rising significance of the Arctic when it comes to assets and commerce routes.

Canada and Panama within the crosshairs

No much less controversial was his reference to Canada as “a neighbor taking advantage of us,” in an obvious return to the protectionist rhetoric of his years within the White House. More cryptic, nevertheless, have been his statements on Panama, which he talked about as “a country that owes a lot to the United States”, with out elaborating. Analysts hypothesize a doable reference to the Panama Canal and its strategic function. The Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, represents one of the vital necessary business arteries on the planet, facilitating the transit of products and drastically decreasing transportation instances. The United States, which performed a vital function within the development and administration of the Canal till 1999, might exert diplomatic or financial strain to make sure continued affect, particularly in a context of competitors with China and different international powers for management of the primary commerce routes.

NATO and 5% of GDP

Another extensively debated proposal issues elevating protection spending by NATO members to five% of GDP. “If we want a strong NATO, everyone must contribute equally,” Trump stated. A place that goes past its traditional flagship of two% and which dangers exacerbating tensions with European allies, already skeptical in regards to the financial weight of collective protection insurance policies.