It was a press conference intended to showcase investment from a Dubai-based firm in new US data centres, but its focus quickly switched to what the incoming president might do when it comes to America’s closest neighbours.

Fielding questions from reporters, Donald Trump refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. While he appeared to rule out the possibility when it came to Canada, Trump did say he would use “economic force” to annex Canada and described their shared border as “an artificially drawn line”.

How seriously should the world take Trump’s threats, and what do they indicate about his strategy when he takes office in 12 days time?

HOSTS:

• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray, Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. The technical producer is Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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