The Indicator from Planet Money
Add to cart: Greenland
Jan 21, 2025
The proposal for the U.S. to acquire Greenland raises eyebrows and questions about legality. Historical land deals, like the Louisiana Purchase, highlight the nuances of sovereignty purchases. Territorial acquisitions are often complex, involving indigenous rights and modern international norms. The legacy of past transactions reveals the challenges of such ambitions today. Additionally, Greenland's desire for independence and implications for its sovereignty add layers to this intriguing discussion.
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Quick takeaways
- The historical practice of sovereignty purchases has allowed the U.S. to acquire much of its territory, though often through coercive means.
- Today, the concept of purchasing territories like Greenland faces significant challenges due to modern emphasis on self-determination and local consent.
Deep dives
The Concept of Sovereignty Purchases
Sovereignty purchases refer to the practice where one government buys the political rights and governmental powers of another government over a territory. This concept has historical roots, with the United States having acquired about 40% of its territory through such transactions, including major land deals like the Louisiana Purchase and the acquisition of Alaska. Additionally, many past sovereignty purchases involved complex dynamics, including coercion or conflicts, as seen in the annexation of Texas and subsequent territorial gains from Mexico. Understanding this history helps contextualize contemporary discussions regarding the potential sale of territories like Greenland.
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