Does Donald Trump Think He’s Playing the Board Game Risk, and What Does That Mean for the Rest of the World?
Brian Sankarsingh writes President-elect Donald Trump's musings on Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada
When Donald Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019, many people thought he was joking. But he wasn’t. His administration reportedly explored the possibility seriously, even as officials in Greenland and Denmark made it clear the island was not for sale. The reality is that his suggestion was not just a one-off. Trump has made expressing interest in territories like the Panama Canal and Canada’s as the cornerstone of his presidential transition, and it is leaving many to wonder: Does he see the world like a giant game of Risk?
Risk is a strategy board game where players take over territories to dominate the globe. It rewards ambition and bold moves. Trump’s approach to geopolitics sometimes mirrors this mindset—expansive, transactional, and focused on perceived power plays. He’s not alone in viewing international relations as a zero-sum game, but his public musings make his intentions uniquely transparent.
Take Greenland. Trump touted its strategic location and rich natural resources. Owning it, he implied, could bolster U.S. dominance in the Arctic. This was not just a quirky idea. Greenland is geopolitically important as climate change opens up Arctic shipping lanes and exposes valuable mineral reserves. But the casual way he pitched the idea—like someone trading properties in Monopoly—didn’t sit well internationally.
The Panama Canal came up during his 2016 campaign, when he lamented its transfer to Panama in 1999. He framed it as a loss for America, a giveaway of something strategically vital. His comments hinted at a nostalgia for a time when the U.S. could acquire and control global chokepoints with ease.
And then there’s Canada, often mentioned in passing as a neighbor with resources worth eyeing. Trump’s trade negotiations with Canada during his presidency were contentious, with steel tariffs and NAFTA disputes framing Canada less as a partner and more as a competitor. And in Trump’s world competitors are meant to be crushed or taken over. But what does this mean for Canadians and the rest of the world?
First, it reflects a worldview driven by acquisition and control. Trump’s remarks remind us that some leaders still see power as tied to territory and resources, even in a globalized, interdependent age.
Second, it raises questions about how the U.S. interacts with allies. Casual remarks about wanting land or reopening old treaties can strain relationships. For smaller nations, it’s unsettling. If a superpower can express interest in your territory like it’s a collectible, where does that leave your sovereignty? It started with Trump’s first presidency and “shithole” countries and now it continues with Greenland, Panama Canal and Canada. He pushes and pushes and pushes until either you fight back or you are beaten down. Does that type of action sound familiar?
Finally, it underscores how rhetoric matters. You might laugh off comments about buying Greenland, but they shape perceptions of American priorities. They can also create friction, both at home and abroad, as people debate whether these ideas are forward-thinking or reckless. The world must realize that Trump’s rhetoric is not just signalling his intentions to them, but more importantly to his MAGA supporters. He wants to rally his base ahead of the presidential transition; whip them into a frenzy so that no matter how outlandish his behaviour when he takes the White House, they will continue to regurgitate his message and further his intentions in whatever way they can.
Whether Trump truly sees the world as a game or just uses bold ideas to grab attention, his remarks leave an impression. They remind us of the fact that global politics, unlike Risk, has real consequences with real lives being impacted. When a leader speaks, the world listens—and reacts.
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is an award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
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