Trump, Putin, Selenskyy: Exploiting political territory

Trump: Territorial Politics and Geopolitical Exploitation

Donald Trump's approach to political territory has been defined by a belief in spheres of influence similar to 19th-century imperialism. His second presidency sees efforts to expand U.S. influence with talk of territorial expansion—into Canada, Greenland, or Central America—while undermining international law and alliances. Trump’s governing style destabilizes the liberal world order, creating opportunities for rival powers to pursue their own territorial ambitions. His willingness to negotiate over disputed territories (such as Crimea) and open discussion of land swaps further demonstrates his use of territorial questions as leverage in diplomacy. Additionally, Trump is noted for leveraging domestic tensions—such as those in Los Angeles—to further toughen immigration policies, crafting narratives of order versus chaos for political gain.lemonde+3

Putin: Strategic Use of Territorial Disputes

Vladimir Putin’s core strategy is the reassertion of Russian dominance over territories that formerly belonged to the Soviet Union, with a particular focus on Ukraine. He believes great powers like Russia are entitled to veto the sovereign decisions of neighboring countries and demands exclusivity in Russia’s sphere of influence. In the recent Alaska summit with Trump, Putin sought to exploit gaps between U.S. and Ukrainian territorial priorities, proposing Ukraine cede Donbas as a condition for ceasefire and attempting to drive a wedge between Washington and Kyiv. His broader play is to use territorial demands to isolate Ukraine and its allies, strengthen Russia’s strategic position, and test American resolve.carnegieendowment+1

Zelenskyy: Navigating Territorial Challenges Under Pressure

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has had to manage the reality of ongoing territorial conflict and Russian influence. His strategy has combined diplomatic efforts with humanitarian outreach, aiming to win support from residents in occupied territories without compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty. Zelenskyy has faced the challenge of increasing Russian penetration at the local political level: Russia has placed pro-Kremlin agents in local Ukrainian politics to extend control and exploit divisions. Zelenskyy responded by sanctioning figures with strong Russian ties and promoting constitutional reforms that resist external (especially Russian) demands. While he strives for reintegration and decentralization, these moves often trigger internal opposition and are frequently undermined by persistent Russian pressure.cidob+1

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Synthesis

All three leaders—Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy—exploit territorial issues for political advantage, but with distinct methods and goals:

• Trump uses territorial narratives to reshape U.S. foreign and domestic policy and disrupt global alliances.

• Putin leverages territorial disputes to strengthen Russian regional dominance and destabilize adversaries.

• Zelenskyy navigates these territorial pressures, working to defend Ukrainian sovereignty while facing internal and external exploitation of local divisions.

Their strategies reveal how political territory remains a potent tool for influence and exploitation on the global stage.cer+3

1. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/06/09/how-donald-trump-is-exploiting-tensions-in-los-angeles-to-toughen-his-immigration-policy_6742146_4.html
2. https://www.cer.eu/insights/donald-trumps-return-office-ten-consequences
3. https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/donald-trumps-dangerous-game-of-territorial-expansion-balkan-devlen-alexander-lanoszka-and-richard-shimooka-in-the-national-post/
4. https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/08/trump-putin-alaska-summit-goals-outcomes?lang=en
5. https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/what-putin-fears-most/
6. https://www.cidob.org/en/publications/conflict-management-donbas-elections-could-not-be
7. https://ukrainian-studies.ca/2022/06/23/local-political-processes-in-ukraine-behind-the-war-the-security-risk-of-expanding-russian-influence-on-the-ground/
8. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxww2kez0go
9. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/24/politics/trump-worst-abuses-of-power
10. https://theconversation.com/trump-is-ignoring-the-power-of-nationalism-at-his-own-peril-252299