In a meme circulating on social media, President Donald Trump is shown delivering his message for the New Year: "peace on earth." The punchline follows three days later, images of US forces storming Caracas and capturing the Venezuelan president in an unprecedented fashion. When asked about it, Trump responded that he had the authority to order military action anywhere in the world. And the only person who could stop him from doing so, he added, is himself. Trump's political persona has always thrived on the projection of raw power and a belief that international rules exist to be bent, if not broken, by those strong enough to do so. In his second term at the White House, his instinct appears sharper, more unapologetic and far more disruptive.

Take Greenland. Trump has openly talked about acquiring Greenland "one way or another," arguing that China or Russia will take control otherwise. The logic is familiar: pre-empt rivals, secure strategic geography, and reshape the global order on........

© The Express Tribune