You Can’t Annex a Nation for Security
In a moment that further underscores the dangers of unchecked militarism and imperial rhetoric, President Donald Trump has once again ignited international concern—this time by refusing to rule out the use of military force to seize control of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a fellow NATO ally.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump claimed, “We need Greenland very badly,” citing its strategic value and potential mineral wealth. He continued, “Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of… But we need that for international security.”
Let’s be clear: the idea of forcibly acquiring territory from another sovereign nation, particularly one within a military alliance such as NATO, is not only dangerous—it’s a direct threat to the international order built on diplomacy, sovereignty, and mutual respect. As Denmark’s Prime Minister recently responded, “You cannot annex another country – not even with an argument about international security.”
At the Peace Economy Project, we find these remarks not only reckless but also emblematic of a broader trend: an alarming return to Cold War-era thinking, where military dominance and resource extraction are seen as legitimate tools of foreign policy. Trump’s statement betrays a worldview in which international cooperation is secondary to expansionist ambition.
Greenland’s strategic significance—due to its proximity to the Arctic and its untapped natural resources—has long made it a subject of geopolitical interest. But respecting the rights of its people and the sovereignty of its governing institutions must remain paramount. Echoing imperial ambitions under the guise of “security” sets a dangerous precedent and risks destabilizing global partnerships.
Moreover, this rhetoric distracts from the real security challenges we face: climate change, economic inequality, pandemics, and the growing threat of authoritarianism. Attempting to solve these issues with military might or colonial nostalgia does nothing to build a sustainable, peaceful future.
If the U.S. wants to lead in the 21st century, it must do so by example—through diplomacy, environmental stewardship, and investments in peace, not by threatening to “cherish” other people into submission.
It’s time to stop treating the world as a chessboard for conquest and instead start building a world based on justice, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
Take Action:
📣 Call on your elected officials to denounce militarized foreign policy.
✍️ Write a letter to the editor defending Greenland’s sovereignty.
💵 Support organizations working to demilitarize U.S. foreign policy.
Let’s stand for peace, not plunder.
