Philip Crump: America's Rare Earth Renaissance

Six months into Trump's second term, rare earth minerals are at the centre of his Administration's approach to foreign policy.

As President Trump reshapes global alliances, rare earth minerals are at the centre of his Administration’s approach to foreign policy, challenging China’s stranglehold on the resources that power modern technology.

Corey Smith: The Arctic of the Deal: Greenland Redux

Despite the objections of Danish and Greenlandic officials, Vice President JD Vance flew to Greenland Friday morning with his wife and a few delegates to Pituffik Space Base. He was the first sitting VP to visit the base, giving the trip a historic undertone while displaying how serious the Trump administration is about bolstering America’s presence in the Arctic. Though Vance’s speech seemed to carry a message slightly different from the president’s remarks about the island over the last few months, the goal was the same: national and international security. Sounds great, but is Trump serious about using force to take control of an ally’s territory?

Philip Crump: Greenland’s Election: A Pivot Amid Trump's Shadow and a Melting Arctic

Another week brings another election that was dominated by America’s fast-changing approach to foreign policy and the established world order. This week it was Greenland’s turn to decide how it would deal with the demands of President Trump.

Once known as the world’s largest island, cloaked in snow and shadowed by isolation, Greenland has long grappled with the burdens of its geography. High rates of alcoholism, rooted in the stark realities of long, dark winters and a population of just 57,000 spread across vast, rugged terrain, have marked its social fabric. Yet today, the thawing Arctic ice is posing new challenges for its people.

Bonner Cohen: Trump means business on Greenland

Rather than dismissing Donald Trump’s pre-inaugural musings about the importance of the United States acquiring Greenland as typical Trumpian bluster, people — friend and foe — should take the man seriously. Changes are on their way in the Arctic North Atlantic.

Greenland — two and one-half the size of Texas — is strategic in terms of its location and its natural resources. It is coveted by China and Russia, and Trump is wise to recognize the geopolitical implications of allowing the giant island to fall into unfriendly hands.

DTNZ: Greenland wants independence – PM

The Greenlandic people do not want to be either Danish or American, Prime Minister Mute Egede has said.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede has reiterated the island’s ambition to gain independence from Denmark, stating that the Greenlandic people do not want to be either Danish or American.

Mark Angelides: What Everyone Misses on Trump’s Greenland Gambit

It’s not quite the renegade move many think it is.

Donald Trump wants Greenland to be part of the United States of America. This statement has been met with equal measures of disdain and excitement among the political classes. From accusations of expansionism to absolute certainty that it is the only way to adequately defend the homeland, this is a divisive issue. The overarching sentiment, however, is that it is either just Trumpian bluster or an impossible task. But that ignores the very real defense implications and the history of American presidents expanding the area under their purview.

David Farrar: Greenland and the Panama Canal

Donald Trump has said he wants the US to own Greenland and the Panama Canal, saying both are essential to US security. He has not ruled out the use of force to get them.

It is 98% likely Trump’s just trolling. By that I mean he is not considering using force, but he does want them. What is more likely is he may use trade sanctions as a way to pressure Denmark and Panama.

Dave Patterson: Next, You’ll Tell Me You Gave Away the Panama Canal

Is the Panama Canal just the first of Trump’s geographic mergers and acquisitions?

Many believed that President Jimmy Carter’s relinquishing the Panama Canal was foolish. There is the old joke telling of Carter, unable to sleep, wandering through the White House gazing at the portraits of past US presidents when an apparition of Teddy Roosevelt appeared. “Why so glum?” Teddy asked. Carter then recounted all the mistakes he’d made, the failures in foreign policy, and the faux pas in decision-making during his administration. Teddy, attempting to console, tells Carter, “Not to worry. Being President of the US is a big job. You have to expect some setbacks. Whew! For a minute there, I thought you were going to tell me you gave away the Panama Canal.”