Elizabeth Graham, a bestselling author recognized for her expertise on U.S.-Russia relations, warns that President Donald Trump's approach to Greenland has created unprecedented tension in transatlantic relations. In a recent Substack post titled 'Deception At Davos,' Graham analyzes Trump's statements at the World Economic Forum, where he discussed his interest in Greenland while reassuring European leaders he would not use force.
Graham, who lived in the Soviet Union and Russia long enough to become bicultural, draws parallels between Trump's tactics and those of authoritarian regimes. She notes that while European leaders have attempted diplomatic engagement with Trump through various gestures, his proposal regarding Greenland has strained relations to levels not seen in recent history. More information about her analysis is available at https://substack.com/@elizabethgraham.
The author argues that Trump's deceptive speech at Davos represented a plea for Europeans to withdraw their troops from Greenland, allowing him to acquire the territory through methods similar to those used in Venezuela. She references Trump's previous actions in Venezuela, where he announced plans to manage the country and control its gas and oil industry after justifying intervention with misleading claims about drug trafficking methods.
According to Graham, Greenland's strategic importance lies in its untapped rare minerals used in manufacturing magnets critical for aircraft engines, electric cars, trains, and advanced machinery. China currently dominates the global rare earth magnet market, giving it significant leverage in high-tech industries. After Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China implemented rigorous export controls on rare earth elements and magnets, creating supply chain vulnerabilities.
Graham suggests Trump is seeking to build alternative supply chains by controlling Greenland, though he frames this as a security necessity rather than an economic strategy. She warns this pattern mirrors his approach to Venezuela and represents a dangerous precedent. The author's book 'From Democracy To Democrazy: A Warning To All Americans' provides further analysis and is available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Graham/author/B0CMY189NT?.
The implications of this situation extend beyond Greenland, with Graham warning that Trump will pursue further territorial gains through misleading promises if not stopped. She compares his behavior to historical land grabs by authoritarian leaders and expresses concern about potential escalation to broader conflict. Graham emphasizes that Europe must stand firm against Trump's Greenland ambitions to prevent a dangerous precedent.
Graham also announced an upcoming book titled 'Survival: Democracy's Struggle To Survive,' which will feature contributions from various authors analyzing contemporary political challenges. The book represents a comparative assessment of today's political realities and includes examination of the relationship between Trump and Putin that has influenced world politics since 2015. Additional resources are available through her website at https://democrazy2020.org/.
The author's background includes Top-Secret security clearance work with intelligence agencies and extensive experience in Russia and former Soviet states. This experience informs her analysis of Trump's tactics and their implications for international relations. Graham's warning comes as transatlantic relations face significant strain, with potential consequences for global stability and resource security.
