The Indicator from Planet Money Add to cart: Greenland
64 snips
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Greenland Proposal
- Trump proposed the U.S. take ownership of Greenland, citing national security.
- This raised eyebrows, but buying territory has historical precedent in the U.S.
Sovereignty Purchases
- Sovereignty purchases involve one country buying territorial rights from another.
- Sovereignty means supremacy in political rights and governmental powers.
U.S. Land Acquisitions
- The U.S. acquired a significant portion of its land through such purchases, including Alaska, Florida, and California.
- The Louisiana Purchase exemplifies this, where the U.S. gained exclusive authority to take control from indigenous tribes.