Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

Since President Donald Trump assumed office for a second term—often referred to as "Trump 2.0"—there has been significant media coverage of his statements, particularly on Twitter and during press conferences. His remarks have included controversial proposals such as purchasing Greenland from Denmark, incorporating Canada as the 51st state of the United States, asserting control over the Panama Canal, and, most recently, expressing ambitions to occupy Gaza in the Middle East. These declarations have sparked intense debate, both domestically and internationally, raising questions about his broader geopolitical strategy.

To fully grasp President Trump’s philosophy, it is essential to examine the historical evolution of the United States and understand how it has expanded over time. American expansion has historically occurred through various means, including military conquest, territorial purchases, and diplomatic agreements. From the annexation of territories through war to strategic land acquisitions—such as the Louisiana Purchase and the acquisition of Alaska—the United States has consistently sought to extend its influence. Understanding this pattern of expansion provides crucial context for analyzing Trump’s statements and ambitions within the broader framework of American history.

Introduction

The United States of America evolved from thirteen British colonies along the Atlantic coast into a vast nation stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This expansion was achieved through wars, treaties, purchases, and negotiations. Below is a chronological account of how the U.S. acquired its territories and grew into its current shape.

Colonial Beginnings (1607-1776)

The original thirteen colonies were established by British settlers between 1607 and 1732. These colonies declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, forming the United States of America.

Early Expansion (1783-1848)

Treaty of Paris (1783): The American Revolutionary War ended with the U.S. gaining territory from the Atlantic to the Mississippi River from Great Britain.

Northwest Territory (1787): Acquired from Britain through the Treaty of Paris, later divided into states like Ohio (1803), Indiana (1816), Illinois (1818), Michigan (1837), and Wisconsin (1848).

Louisiana Purchase (1803): The U.S. bought 828,000 square miles from France for $15 million, doubling its size. This included present-day states such as Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, and others.

Florida (1819): Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. under the Adams-Onís Treaty.

Texas Annexation (1845): Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 and joined the U.S. in 1845, leading to the Mexican-American War.

Oregon Territory (1846): A treaty with Britain divided the Oregon Territory along the 49th parallel, bringing in present-day Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Mexican Cession (1848): The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, adding California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming to U.S. territory.

Later Expansion (1850-1898)

Gadsden Purchase (1854): The U.S. bought land from Mexico (southern Arizona and New Mexico) for $10 million to facilitate railroad construction.

Alaska Purchase (1867): The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, known as "Seward’s Folly."

Hawaiian Annexation (1898): Hawaii was annexed following the overthrow of its monarchy by American settlers in 1893.

Modern Additions and Statehood (1900-Present)

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines (1898): Acquired from Spain after the Spanish-American War. The Philippines later became independent in 1946, but Puerto Rico and Guam remain U.S. territories.

American Samoa (1900): Became a U.S. territory through an agreement with local chiefs.

Virgin Islands (1917): Purchased from Denmark for $25 million.

Alaska and Hawaii Statehood (1959): Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states, respectively.

A Critical Analysis of President Trump’s Expansionist Rhetoric and a Realistic Way Forward

President Donald Trump’s campaign promises to "Make America Great Again" was central to his electoral success, and his approach to achieving this goal has been uniquely his own. His statements—ranging from acquiring Greenland to incorporating Canada as the 51st state—reflect his strategic yet provocative style, designed primarily to resonate with his voter base. Whether he has succeeded in restoring America’s past dominance is a matter of debate, but what remains undeniable is his commitment to fulfilling his promises in the eyes of his supporters. However, in the complex geopolitical landscape of today, repeating the expansionist policies that once contributed to America's rise is neither practical nor feasible.

The global order has shifted dramatically since the early days of American expansion. With the rise of China as an economic and military powerhouse and the resurgence of Russia as a strategic force, the world is no longer unipolar. The United States can no longer unilaterally dictate global affairs without significant consequences. Any attempt at aggressive expansionism—whether through military intervention, territorial claims, or economic coercion—would come at an immense cost, both politically and economically. Misadventures in foreign policy could not only damage U.S. credibility but also provoke direct confrontations with global rivals, leading to long-term instability.

Historically, the United States expanded through a combination of war, diplomacy, purchases, and strategic agreements. From the original thirteen colonies, it evolved into a global superpower through calculated acquisitions such as the Louisiana Purchase, the annexation of Texas, and the purchase of Alaska. However, the modern world operates under different constraints—international laws, strong alliances, and economic interdependencies limit the feasibility of unilateral expansionist ambitions.

A Realistic Way Forward

Instead of pursuing outdated expansionist rhetoric, the United States should adopt a pragmatic and forward-looking approach:

Strengthening Alliances: In a multipolar world, the U.S. must reinforce alliances with NATO, the European Union, and key Asian partners to maintain global influence through cooperation rather than unilateralism.

Economic Competitiveness: Rather than territorial expansion, America should focus on economic resilience, technological innovation, and strategic investments to counter China’s economic rise.

Diplomatic Engagement: Engaging diplomatically with global powers like China and Russia, rather than provoking unnecessary conflicts, would ensure stability and maintain America’s leadership in global governance.

Domestic Strengthening: Addressing internal issues—such as economic inequality, infrastructure development, and technological advancement—will contribute more to American greatness than territorial ambitions.

The Chinese and Russian Perspectives

China and Russia view Trump’s expansionist rhetoric as a reflection of declining American influence. From Beijing’s standpoint, the U.S. is struggling to maintain its global hegemony as China strengthens its Belt and Road Initiative, dominates global supply chains, and builds strategic alliances in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. For Russia, Trump's ambitions reinforce Moscow’s long-held belief that the U.S. seeks global dominance at the expense of other nations. This narrative fuels closer Sino-Russian cooperation in countering U.S. influence, particularly in economic and military affairs.

While Trump’s rhetoric might energize his supporters, it does not align with the realities of the modern geopolitical landscape. His ambitions, if pursued recklessly, could isolate the U.S. and weaken its position in global affairs. A rational approach—focused on economic strength, strategic diplomacy, and alliance-building—offers a more sustainable path for maintaining American influence in a rapidly changing world. The era of unilateral expansion is over, and adapting to a multipolar reality is the only viable course for long-term success.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)

原文链接：APD | The Evolution of the United States: Expansion Through War, Purchase, and Agreements.-APDNEWS