In a world where Russia has invaded Ukraine, and China is eyeing Taiwan, it’s not only an embarrassment, but a political weakness to have the President-elect repeatedly talk about the absorption or annexation of sovereign allied nations and their territories.

He said it one time and it was “hurr durr it’s just a joke” and now it’s all he can talk about.

I don’t believe he has any interest in actually doing it - but I think it’s an intentional effort to normalize these conversations for the dictators and oligarchs he looks up to, who have current, and active, imperial ambitions.

This kind of rhetoric, even if meant as a joke, can have serious consequences on the global stage. Normalizing talk of annexation only emboldens aggressors and undermines international stability. Leaders must choose their words carefully to avoid escalating tensions and promoting authoritarian agendas.