A surreal shift in global politics From Greenland to Syria, where are we heading?

It has begun. Here it is! The phrase is from War and Peace. In this context, "it" has started, though not in the way one might expect.

A few weeks ago, while sharing thoughts on what the "coming Trump" might prepare for us, I emphasized the expectation of the unexpected. The impulsive and turbulent nature of the former-future president of the United States leaves no doubt about the abundance of "impossibilities" of various kinds. And the surprises began ahead of schedule, even before he took office.

It is inherent in humans to get used to things. On the one hand, it helps us survive, but on the other hand, it raises our tolerance threshold. We don’t think about what is happening before our eyes: the shifting boundaries of what is "possible and impossible" in the core mechanisms of global decision-making and relations.

It’s not the first time that the powerful of the world have “tormented” countries that disagree with them. But previously, such executions were directed at outcasts like Iraq, Libya, Iran, and others. Who would have thought that in the 21st century, the newly elected head of the United States would stubbornly propose that Canada join the United States? It's difficult to find a comparison that adequately conveys the scale of this proposition for those who are unfamiliar with its implications.

And the persistent proposals to buy Greenland from Denmark? We're not talking about a disputed territory in the deserts of Africa, say in Western Sahara. This is Greenland (not to be confused with Lapland!), a territory universally recognized as part of Denmark. Though a kingdom, it is undoubtedly democratic, clean, tidy, and fully aligned with Western world standards! Erik the Red, the Viking who discovered Greenland about fifteen hundred years ago, must be doing somersaults in his grave.

Let’s not overlook the similar ideas circulating about the potential annexation of Mexico by the United States. All of this is happening against the backdrop of proposals to impose tariffs of up to 25% on both Mexico and Canada. Incidentally, returning to the land of maple leaves (and maple syrup)—as some darkly joke—Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recently announced his resignation, appears to have decided to step down, recognising that navigating relations with Trump would be far too "entertaining."

By the way, the headline of this article kept coming to mind when reflecting on the visit of Germany’s Foreign Minister, Ms. Baerbock, to Damascus. It was quite amusing to watch her press her hands to her chest when meeting the new rulers of Damascus! The gesture wasn’t an expression of overwhelming emotion or a display of sincere sympathy, but rather a reflection of the protocol followed by those who had previously exiled Assad. There’s a code among certain circles: no handshakes with women. Uncomfortable? Oh, how much more uncomfortable it must be to live in a society governed by such laws. Yet, Ms. Baerbock, it seems, didn’t forget to remind the new Syrian authorities about the importance of respecting women’s rights! She even shook a finger at them, warning that if they mistreat women, they won’t have friendly relations with us. A very effective approach, which worked so well in Afghanistan and Iraq. What’s that? It didn’t work? Hmm. Really?

Another absurd theatre in Korea. But not in the North, where we are used to it, but in the South. The president there pulled a stunt: declared a state of emergency, then revoked it, apologized, said he was ready to take responsibility, but didn’t follow through. He abandoned the matter halfway and hid behind rows of security personnel who turned away investigators trying to arrest him. The police decided to stay out of it. At this point, one might ask Pyongyang to help Seoul resolve this legal mess. And yet, Western allies remain awkwardly silent, occasionally expressing their belief in South Korea’s commitment to democratic values. Alas, gentlemen. Alas! I have great respect for Korea—everything from bibimbap (a dish) to its bathhouse traditions and Hyundai. But Seoul has somewhat dropped the ball here.

These days, much is said about the melting of glaciers. It seems to me that the familiar way of conducting international affairs is melting even faster. The UN Charter has long become a meaningless piece of paper (we, by the way, realised this many years ago in the context of the UN Security Council's toothless resolutions on Karabakh). Even the phrase "the one with the most rights is right" is no longer relevant. Right is simply the one who is bigger and stronger. Power is no longer found in truth; rather, truth is in power.

As for becoming bigger, we don’t have many options. But stronger—let’s continue to grow stronger, gentlemen.