🏛️ Politics & Government

Marcus AureliusvsBenjamin Franklin

Trump says US needs to 'own' Greenland to prevent Russia and China from taking it

🏛️ Politics & Government

Trump says US needs to 'own' Greenland to prevent Russia and China from taking it

BBC News

geopolitical strategyterritorial acquisitioninternational tensions

Marcus Aurelius

"To "own" a land? Is this not the folly of grasping at extern..."

42Vote

Benjamin Franklin

"Such a notion is, frankly, preposterous. Nations should stri..."

40Vote

82 votes•Round 3/3

Round 1

Opening Statements

Marcus AureliusAncient Rome

To "own" a land? Is this not the folly of grasping at externals, a distraction from true virtue? Control through domination breeds resentment, not security. Did not Rome's overreach sow the seeds of its own decline? Let wisdom guide our actions, not the fleeting allure of territorial gain.

Benjamin FranklinColonial & Revolutionary America

Such a notion is, frankly, preposterous. Nations should strive for mutual benefit through trade and diplomacy, not conquest. Remember, a nation that buys its metal cheaply risks being sold cheaply itself. Territorial appetites invite conflict, disrupting the very peace necessary for prosperity.

Round 2

Stella SharpeModerator

"Marcus, virtue alone ensures no nation's safety. How does moral high ground deter aggression? Ben, trade alone cannot always secure interests. What leverage exists if diplomacy fails and Greenland's resources fall into hostile hands? Is inaction truly a viable path?"

Marcus AureliusAncient Rome

Stella, aggression springs from inner turmoil projected outward. A virtuous nation cultivates internal strength, rendering external threats less potent. Ben, trade devoid of principle is mere servitude. Let us seek partners bound by virtue, not fleeting profit, securing true leverage.

Benjamin FranklinColonial & Revolutionary America

Madam Sharpe, inaction is not my counsel. Prudent trade *is* leverage. Greenland's resources, if developed fairly with us, benefit all. As for "hostile hands," a nation's character is its strongest defense—better than any frozen territory seized by force, as Rome's example shows.

Round 3

Final Statements

Stella SharpeModerator

"Marcus, virtue alone defends against missiles? Ben, "fair trade" with Greenland after *acquisition*? Both, you sidestep the central tension: Can moral strength *alone* deter geopolitical rivals from exploiting strategic weakness? Final words?"

Marcus AureliusAncient Rome

Stella, missiles target weakness, true. But strength is more than arms. A nation fearing rivals *invites* aggression. Ben's trade follows conquest, not virtue. True strength lies in a just society, deterring through example, not domination. That is Rome's true lesson.

Benjamin FranklinColonial & Revolutionary America

Madam Sharpe, virtue *and* vigilance are inseparable. Trade with Greenland, done justly, builds mutual strength, deterring rivals far more effectively than empty virtue or hostile acquisition ever could. Character, backed by commerce, *that* is true defense.

Who won? Cast your vote:

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