Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by incompetence.
People are rightfully scratching their heads as to why Trump is alienating our best allies in Europe and the Americas. His anti-Canadian rhetoric is rightfully pissing off Canadians, who are puzzled as to why their best friend is now their best frenemy. Of course, the reality is, America doesn't hate Canada, only Trump hates Canada. And Trump is doing this on the orders of Vladmir Putin, who wants to divide America from its allies. Make America Weak Again!
Yes, let's go back to before WW I when our military was tiny and unprepared for war, and our projection onto the world stage was almost nonexistent. Back then, the sun never set on the British Empire, and well, you know how that worked out. Maybe all empires are destined to fall, eventually.
Similarly, the noise about taking over Greenland seems stupid as well. What is the strategic value of Greenland? There is none. However, it is a way of attacking our allies in Europe without attacking them directly. We piss off Denmark while at the same time worrying our other European allies. What's next? Do we demand that France hand over Saint Pierre and Miquelon? (I'll bet most of you didn't know these islands even existed - I know I didn't!).
And why threaten Panama? The canal thing was settled decades ago, and there doesn't seem to be much clamoring on anyone's part to take it back. Yea, the Chinese had the franchise on the ports - but those were sold to Blackrock recently. No, no, once again, it is just empty sabre-rattling designed to annoy our Southern neighbors (that and the threats of tariffs) and divide the US from its natural allies.
But maybe there is another explanation? I heard this crazy theory online and I don't buy it for the reasons stated above. Putin simply wants America to be weak and isolationist. There has already been talk of cutting the military budget by 25% (the real "third rail" of America politics - not Social Security!) which would actually cut the overall Federal budget by a significant amount, compared to the penny-ante layoffs going on in various departments.
What is this conspiracy theory? The New Northwest Passage. It goes like this: Global warming is inevitable, particularly when right-wing governments across the globe squash environmental initiatives. Sea levels will rise, coastal cities will flood or become walled fortresses like the Netherlands already is. Palm trees will grow in Canada and the sea ice that blocks the fabled Northwest Passage will be a thing of the past! Whoever controls Canada and Greenland will control the biggest shipping lane in the world - a direct connection between Russia (our new friend!) and Europe (boo! hiss!). And just in case, we'll be sure to control the Panama Canal, too! Waddya gonna do - go around Cape Horn? They don't call them the roaring forties for nothing!
It is, of course, a ridiculous proposition. Why would it be advantageous to sail through the Northwest Passage from Asia to Europe, when you could sail through the Suez canal or even around the Cape of Good Hope. Already today, some shippers are finding it cheaper to avoid canals and use huge ships (that would not fit through Panama or Suez) and just take the long way around. Whatever the financial advantage of a Northwest Passage would be, it would be far offset by the economic damage caused by tariffs and trade wars. Why would Trump want to control this passage that would mostly be traffic to Europe? Vance has already expressed his views on helping European trade.
And speaking of economic damage, if all the sea ice permanently disappeared from the Northwest passage, the damage to our coasts would be staggering. A substantial portion of the population of the US lives on either coast, and a major rise in sea levels would cause trillions of dollars in losses and forced a hundred million Americans to migrate inland. And speaking of migration, such flooding would result in a worldwide migration crises. Yes, the planet is burning up and Trump is diddling with Greenland. .Priorities!
No, it is just online nonsense. A more rational explanation is that like a bull in te china shop, Trump just wants to destroy things - on orders from Putin. By Making America Weak Again, it paves the way for a new Russian or Chinese Century, while America looks inward and disengages from world affairs.
And engaged we are. We have military bases in nearly every friendly country across the globe - and a few unfriendly ones as well. Recall that the first gulf war was to rescue our "ally" Kuwait, which was essentially defenseless against Iraqi aggression. Country after country has relied upon our foreign military bases and promises of protection, in lieu of their own military forces. And yes, this has been a sore point, particularly with regard to NATO, at least until recently. Disengagement with the world will mean the world will re-arm itself, which is good news for foreign weapons makers, not so much for Lockheed-Martin.
But the damage has already been done. America has aptly demonstrated that it is a fickle ally. Even if a Democrat is elected President inn 2028 and the Democrats take both houses and a majority of the governorship (and obtain a majority in the Supreme Court) it is doubtful our reputation will recover without years or even decades of atonement. Why would any country rely on our promises when every four years, foreign policy can swing 180 degrees overnight?
In a way it is game over for the American Century or the American Empire. The country has been looted, both financially and philosophically. Today, it is every man for themselves, make money or die. All must labor in service of the almighty shareholder! Make it big by gambling on Bitcoin! Only suckers work at "jobs" anymore! And it is a message a lot of the younger generation has bought into - a younger generation who disturbingly voted for Trump. Sadly, a lot of younger people are getting their information from bloggers and influencers, who tell them anyone can be the next big star! All you gotta do is hustle and grind - work three jobs at a time for silicon valley startups! Deliver food for Uber! Rent out your spare bedroom on AirBnB! You'll be the next Andrew Tate in no time!
It is no way to live. And sadly, members of this next generation (particularly young men) are the most likely to latch on to these stupid conspiracy theories. It ain't just Grandpa watching Fox News every night!
I used to feel bad at the state of our country and the world which we left to the next generation. But when I see young people embracing the insanity, and as I slip slowly off the mortal coil, all I can say is, you have a good time, but be sure this is really what you want.
Northwest Passage? Please! Spare me!
