In a surreal spectacle at the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his obsession with purchasing Greenland, declaring the autonomous territory "part of North America." While he benevolently ruled out a military invasion, his rhetoric has sent shivers through the spines of European allies.

"I don't want to use force. I won't use force," Trump told the bewildered global elite. "All the US is asking for is a place called Greenland." He framed the acquisition not as a hostile takeover, but as a real estate deal for a "big, beautiful piece of ice" that Denmark is allegedly struggling to manage.

Imperialism 2.0?

Trump's comments were laced with thinly veiled threats. "You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember." This transactional bullying of a NATO ally is unprecedented.

• The Strategic Play: The US eyes Greenland for its rare earth minerals and strategic Arctic position against Russia and China.
• The Danish Response: "Greenland is not for sale." But Trump's insistence that "you can't defend it on a lease" challenges the very sovereignty of smaller nations.

A Lesson for Africa

For African nations, Trump’s casual disregard for sovereignty is a loud warning bell. If the US President can openly discuss annexing a European territory, what stops him from making similar "offers" for strategic African assets? The "Greenland Doctrine" suggests a return to an era where might makes right, and borders are merely suggestions on a real estate map.

As the Davos elites clinked glasses, the message was clear: in Trump's world, everything—and every country—has a price tag.