The New Map of Global Hegemony: How the Arctic Route Will Reshape Power
“I want to buy Greenland.” “Let’s make Canada the 51st state of America.”
Today, we’ll uncover the real intentions behind these seemingly ‘absurd’ statements by Trump.
The History of Trade Routes That Changed Human Civilization 📚
1. The Silk Road: Connecting Civilizations 🐫
The Romans called silk ‘Serica’, derived from ‘Sina’ (China). Silk was so precious it traded equally with pure gold.
Along this 7,000km route, Eastern and Western civilizations exchanged: Chinese silk and porcelain, Roman glass and spices, Indian mathematics, and Arabian astronomy. This route enabled Buddhism to spread to China and Islam to Southeast Asia.
The oasis city of Samarkand accumulated immense wealth through this route, much like how Dubai prospers today as an aviation hub.
2. How Spices Changed the World ⚓
Have you heard of the Moluccas Islands in Indonesia? These were once the most valuable lands in the world, being the origin of pepper, cloves, and nutmeg.
European powers fought fiercely for these spices. A new trade route opened across the Indian Ocean via the Malacca Strait, leading to the prosperity of cities like Venice and Genoa. These small city-states along the Mediterranean became the world’s financial centers.
3. Those Who Control the Seas Control the World 🚢
In the 19th century, Britain was “the empire where the sun never sets,” controlling global maritime routes. After two World Wars, the United States took this position.
Interestingly, 90% of today’s global trade occurs by sea. The US protects these routes with overwhelming naval power, including 11 aircraft carriers. This allows trading nations like Korea to conduct commerce safely without maintaining large navies.
The Opening Arctic Route ❄️
Climate Change Creates New Opportunities 🌡️
As global warming melts Arctic ice, a new trade route emerges. The journey from the Netherlands to Korea, traditionally 20,000km, reduces to 12,700km via the Arctic route – a 35% reduction.
Moreover, the Arctic holds tremendous treasures:
* 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil
* 30% of natural gas
* Various minerals including rare earth elements
Trump’s ‘Crazy Strategy’ Actually… 🎯
Now Trump’s statements make sense.
Greenland is a strategic point for the Arctic route. “Want to buy” means wanting to control this new trade route.
What about Canada? It has the world’s longest Arctic coastline. “51st state” implies the desire to control this coastline.
A New Game Begins 🎲
Russia’s Rise 🐻
Why is Russia gaining attention? It has the world’s longest Arctic coastline. This presents an opportunity for Russia, which historically struggled for warm-water ports.
The Ukraine war should be viewed in this context. While the Crimean Peninsula is Russia’s Black Sea access point, the Arctic opens new possibilities.
China’s Challenge and Limitations 🇨🇳
China is preparing its ‘Ice Silk Road’, but faces two major challenges:
Failure to Present a New System
* Lack of new ideology to counter neoliberalism
* International limitations of Sinocentrism
Economic Crisis
* World’s highest corporate debt
* Real estate market instability
* Population decline
Korea’s Choice 🇰🇷
What should South Korea do?
Urgent Need for Icebreakers
* Currently only one icebreaker, ‘Araon’
* Russia has over 50
Arctic Route Utilization Plan
* Icebreaker construction using shipbuilding technology
* Arctic shipping infrastructure development
Strengthen Cooperation with Russia
* Participate in LNG plant construction
* Join Arctic resource development
Conclusion
Behind seemingly “absurd” statements often lie hidden strategies. Understanding world affairs requires looking beyond surface-level news to hidden intentions.
The Arctic route isn’t just a new path; it could become a new Silk Road that transforms human civilization. We’re in the midst of historic change.
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