Pacific leaders are being urged to exercise caution as renewed interest from the United States in Greenland presents risks for small nations navigating the ambitions of powerful countries. This warning comes in light of President Donald Trump’s repeated proposals to “buy” Greenland, accompanied by threats of tariffs towards allies who may resist such overtures. Critics contend that powerful nations often leverage economic and political pressure to fulfill their strategic interests, raising alarms for vulnerable states.
International law expert Al Gillespie emphasizes that for Pacific nations—particularly those with legacies of colonization or non-sovereign status—the situation with Greenland serves as a pivotal reminder of the threats to self-determination that persist even in the modern era. Gillespie suggests that Trump’s approach reflects outdated, 19th-century thinking that overlooks the desires of the local populace. He warns that economic coercion, including tariffs, constitutes a form of bullying that can jeopardize alliances. He advocates for collective action among Pacific nations to uphold self-determination as a fundamental principle in international relations.
Sione Tekiteki, a senior law lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, also sees parallels between the Greenland situation and the challenges faced by non-sovereign territories in the northern Pacific, such as Guam. He notes the increasing military presence and strategic posture of the U.S. in the region as a concern for Pacific leaders. Tekiteki cautions that exclusive security agreements may have far-reaching impacts on sovereignty and recalls the significance of Greenland where U.S. defense jurisdiction could overshadow local security arrangements.
Both experts stress that Pacific nations are well-aware of their histories of colonization and decolonization, recognizing that the pursuit of independence is complicated by modern strategic interests. While they note that regional powers like New Zealand are working to maintain influence while respecting the sovereignty of smaller nations, Tekiteki points to recent defense arrangements with Niue and ongoing discussions with the Cook Islands.
Gillespie warns that disregarding self-determination can establish perilous precedents for small nations. He posits that should Trump leverage economic pressure, such as tariffs, against small countries to acquire strategic territories, it could pose significant risks.
The Greenland case exemplifies the precarious balance that Pacific nations must navigate as they strive to safeguard their sovereignty and protect their people’s right to self-determination amid evolving global pressures. It highlights the necessity for continuous vigilance to ensure that lessons from history are not forgotten and that the rights and dignity of small nations are upheld in the face of strategic ambitions.
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