By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In response to Donald Trump’s appointment of a special envoy to Greenland, the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of respecting national borders and sovereignty, reiterating that Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Trump, who has previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for the United States, appointed Jeff Landry as the envoy, citing national security concerns and the need to counter Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic. Denmark’s foreign minister expressed deep upset over the appointment and summoned the US ambassador to Copenhagen for an explanation, while the EU and several other nations voiced their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, upholding principles of international law. The majority of Greenland’s population desires independence from Denmark, but not integration into the United States.
Read the original article here
You cannot annex other countries, Danish and Greenlandic leaders tell Trump. The situation is pretty straightforward: countries, in the modern world, don’t just get to swallow up other countries. It’s a basic principle of international relations, something that seems lost on certain individuals. And the reactions? Well, they range from disbelief to outright anger.
The core of the issue boils down to a fundamental lack of understanding of diplomacy and sovereignty. The idea of forcibly taking over another nation, especially a non-aggressive one with its own distinct identity and resources, is considered an egregious violation of international norms. It’s a throwback to a bygone era of imperialism, something that has no place in the 21st century. The mere suggestion, the casual tossing around of the word “annex,” is enough to trigger a wave of outrage and concern.
There’s a deep-seated distrust when such ideas are floated, and it’s not without reason. It triggers memories of historical aggressions and the potential for a dangerous escalation of conflict. People naturally worry about what comes next. If one country can simply take what it wants, where does it end? The fear is that such actions could destabilize the entire global order, leading to wider conflicts and untold suffering.
And then there’s the question of motivation. Why would someone want to annex a country? The implication is almost always about resources. It’s a crude display of greed and a blatant disregard for the people who actually live there, for their culture, their history, and their right to self-determination. It completely disregards any concept of partnership, cooperation, and mutual respect.
The international community, allies, and even rival countries recognize the absurdity and danger of such intentions. Countries and individuals have made it clear that they won’t stand for it. They’re telling the world, and specifically those making such outlandish suggestions: “You cannot annex other countries!” The message is clear: It’s not acceptable.
The responses coming out of Denmark and Greenland are a testament to the outrage. They serve as a firm reminder of the principles of sovereignty and respect for international law. It also highlights the strength of the international community’s resolve to counter such aggression. These statements echo a collective voice, a united front against any attempts to undermine global stability.
The concern extends far beyond the immediate parties involved. The potential consequences of such actions are profound. Not only would they have devastating effects on those directly impacted, but they also risk setting a dangerous precedent, opening the door to similar actions by other states. The world would become an even more dangerous place if such principles were disregarded.
The whole situation also raises questions about the political landscape in which it’s happening. One observation is the impact that politics can have on international relations. It also raises the question of whether a nation is capable of genuine self-reflection.
The underlying message here is clear: the age of imperialism is over. Attempts to redraw borders by force or disregard international norms are not only unacceptable, but they’re also destined to fail. The world has moved on. The responses from Denmark, Greenland and all the affected people send a clear message: Sovereignty matters, international law matters, and the principles of peace and cooperation must be upheld.