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Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 29, 2025 (also, The Toronto Star)

Featured in The Daily Cartoonist

Arctic Ambitions: A New Era of American Expansionism

In an era where the world’s geopolitical landscape is ever-evolving, the spectre of American expansionism has reemerged in a form reminiscent of a bygone age. The recent developments surrounding the U.S. interest in Greenland, fuelled by President Donald Trump’s ambitions, have brought to light a narrative that harks back to the days of imperialism and territorial conquest.

The notion of annexing Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, seems almost anachronistic in today’s global order. Yet, it is a reality unfolding before our eyes, driven by strategic interests in the Arctic’s abundant resources and its pivotal location. This new chapter of American expansionism challenges not only international norms but also the trust and alliances that the United States has cultivated over decades.

News: JD Vance, his wife to tour U.S. military base in Greenland after diplomatic spat over uninvited visit

The diplomatic debacle surrounding Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance’s visit to Greenland highlights the broader implications of this expansionist agenda. The strong local opposition, reflected in protests and refusals to engage with the U.S. delegation, underscores the importance of respecting sovereignty and the voices of local populations. The trip, initially intended as a cultural and diplomatic engagement, was reduced to a brief visit to a military base, symbolizing the isolation and unwelcomeness of American overtures.

The strategic interests in Greenland—its oil, gas, and mineral wealth—make it a coveted prize for any nation. However, the pursuit of such gains under the guise of national security risks alienating America’s allies and eroding the trust built over generations. The parallels to the Monroe Doctrine and Teddy Roosevelt’s gunboat diplomacy are stark, yet this iteration lacks the subtlety of “walking softly.” Instead, it wields a “big stick” that could isolate the U.S. on the world stage.

Opinion: Putin nods to Trump plans to seize Greenland

In a twist reminiscent of James Gillray’s famous cartoon “Plumb Pudding in Danger,” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reaction to Trump’s Greenland ambitions is notably accepting, as if part of a predetermined exchange. It evokes a scenario where territorial aspirations are casually traded, with whispers of “you can have Ukraine if I can have Greenland.” As these geopolitical machinations unfold, one can’t help but imagine a sequel: “and if all goes well, Vlad, I’ll let you take Europe if I can have Canada.” These are the crazy times in which we live, where world leaders appear to carve up the globe with alarming nonchalance.

Opinion: So many souvenirs for JD Vance to take home from Greenland: oil, gas, minerals – and that’s just the start

As nations strategize against this new reality, the U.S. risks becoming friendless and isolated, cashing in the trust it once held as an honest broker. The actions of one man, Donald Trump, threaten to redefine America’s image and its relationships, casting long shadows over its diplomatic legacy.

In this unfolding drama, Greenland stands not just as a potential trophy of expansion but as a symbol of the mistrust and uncertainty facing a world grappling with the resurgence of imperial ambitions. The challenge for the U.S. is to navigate these waters with respect for international norms, lest it finds itself adrift in a sea of its own making.

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