When US President Donald Trump returned to the topic of acquiring Greenland – one that seemed largely forgotten just a month ago – the idea wasn’t considered mere ‘theatrics’, particularly in Europe. And it’s not just about the ‘Maduro effect’. Beneath Trump’s provocative statements, a clear geopolitical strategy is emerging, one that can be termed ‘new globalism’. This approach is far more economically grounded than the concept of globalization, even US-centric globalization.  

Trump is not bluffing about Greenland and here’s why
The US is building a resource-driven world order based on energy dominance, territorial leverage, and Europe’s strategic weakness

Trump’s ‘new globalism’ consists of three logically interconnected components:

• Reinterpreting the Monroe Doctrine (One may wonder if Trump considers the Philippines part of this ‘Greater America’ as well...)

• Transforming the US into an energy superpower that monopolizes the rules of the game in the hydrocarbon market, particularly in regional trade

• Enhancing America’s status as an Arctic superpower – a position that the US currently holds only nominally 

Trump’s actions are quite logical: dismantling Nicolas Maduro’s regime is crucial for turning Latin America’s resources into a source of short-term economic stability for the US. This is Trump’s ‘entrance ticket’ into the world of ‘new globalism’. America cannot become an energy superpower unless it has control over Venezuela’s (and eventually Brazil’s and Iran’s) oil resources and eliminates ‘shadow fleets’ as soon as possible. Similarly, achieving full legal control over Greenland is essential for establishing the US as an Arctic power. Otherwise, it would be difficult for the US to maintain competitiveness as an energy superpower after 2030. 

Certainly, an evolutionary path could involve investing in a costly and prolonged program to revive Alaska. However, that would take years, if not decades. Instead, Greenland presents an opportunity to quickly solidify a new political and geographical status.

Trump acts systematically, choosing his next steps based on the perceived weaknesses of his geopolitical competitors. Apparently, he believes that Europe is sufficiently weakened to engage in discussions about Greenland’s status at a completely different level than in the spring of 2025, when he had to back down. Trump talked about this in a recent conversation with reporters. “Do you know what their defense is? Two dog sleds,” he said, responding to a question about whether the US had made a political proposal to Greenland or Denmark. He added that meanwhile, Russian and Chinese destroyers and submarines are “all over the place.”

We should also note that when discussing Greenland, Trump directly highlighted NATO’s inability to protect the island from external threats, even fabricated ones (like the prospect of Russia and China seizing the territory). Trump’s message is clear: he intends to reclaim any poorly defended ‘assets’.

Trump’s obsession with the idea of acquiring Greenland may also stem from the failure of European leaders to form an even modestly sized ‘coalition of the willing’, despite their claims of being ready to take full responsibility for Europe’s security. A proposed force of 200,000 troops dwindled to just 40,000 in six months – and it is unlikely that the Europeans would be able to gather even such a military force. Consequently, any joint initiatives by the UK, Germany, and France are unlikely to impress Trump.

The realization of their own military weakness deeply unsettles Europeans. Major countries in Europe might be willing to sacrifice Greenland. However, if Trump succeeds, these nations would essentially become his ‘resource’, losing their political voice even within NATO, which was once regarded as a ‘union of equal democracies’. Furthermore, should the operation regarding Greenland go through, nothing would stand between Trump and Canada.

How can Europe counter America’s ‘new globalism’? As we’ve mentioned above, military options exist only in the rhetoric of European politicians, which is aimed at shaping domestic public opinion. However, the criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in British media indicates that this strategy is faltering. Political methods remain Europe’s only recourse. But here too, the options are limited.

High hopes were pinned on Euro-Atlantic solidarity and the ability to ‘outnumber’ Trump (as we’ve seen in the situation with Ukraine), for example by using NATO’s consultation mechanisms. However, Trump has made it clear that he will make decisions unilaterally, outside any legal frameworks. Still, European leaders might invoke NATO’s Article Five. If they take such a step, it could signal the beginning of the end for the bloc. The discussion around Greenland – essentially about the territorial integrity of one of NATO’s member states, particularly one of its founding nations – would fundamentally undermine the core principle of NATO: maintaining the internal geopolitical integrity of the bloc while addressing external threats and removing all internal risks.

A more productive approach might involve pressuring Trump toward a sort of ‘middle ground’ when it comes to Greenland’s status, such as establishing an American military and economic protectorate over the island. Despite Trump’s statements that he is only interested in outright annexation, this alternative might be feasible under certain conditions. Consider how Trump handled the situation with Venezuela: after expressing readiness for a ‘second phase’ of conflict, Trump quickly backtracked and began negotiations with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez once he realized that US economic interests could be maintained, and the regime would align itself with pro-American and anti-Chinese policies. A similar scenario could unfold with Greenland.

This could happen if European leaders find influential allies within the US and the resources of the US administration are diverted to other crises. One should not underestimate Trump’s ability to step back temporarily, only to revisit the issue when circumstances are more favorable.

https://www.rt.com/news/630889-trump-is-not-bluffing/

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday played down suggestions that the United States could invade Greenlandwith its military. Speaking after a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Wadephul said there was "no reason"...

PLEASE NOTE: ALL THE LINKS TO THIS STORY SEEM TO HAVE VANISHED FROM THE ORIGINATORS: DW AND THEIR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. 

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German Foreign Minister does not expect US military action against Greenland after meeting with Rubio
Kyiv • UNN

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the US has no intention of annexing Greenland. He also called for stronger sanctions against Iran and emphasized the strength of the partnership between Germany and the US.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Monday, said he did not expect the United States to take military action to annex Greenland, UNNreports with reference to dpa.

He welcomed the planned US-Danish talks on the Arctic island and stressed that decisions regarding Greenland and Denmark should be made by these countries and the island's inhabitants.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants Greenland to be under US control, citing strategic importance, Russian and Chinese naval activity in the region, and natural resources. His comments raised concerns as he did not rule out the use of military force.

NATO is working on concrete security plans in the Arctic, which will later be discussed with the United States, Wadephul said.

Wadephul described the talks with Rubio as friendly and intense, noting that both sides were aware that they are close allies and friends.

After talks with Rubio, Wadephul also insisted on strengthening sanctions against Iran's leadership amid nationwide anti-government protests. He said Germany would seek to expand sanctions against Iranian leaders, including their inclusion in the EU's terrorism sanctions regime, which requires unanimous approval.

He called on EU members to reconsider the issue in light of the brutal crackdown on protesters.

Wadephul called Iran a regime that lacks legitimacy among its people, which uses measures against its own population that violate basic humanitarian norms.

He stressed the need for the international community to show solidarity with the Iranian people. He and Rubio reportedly agreed on the importance of coordinated action and aim to work towards a joint G7 statement.

Regarding potential US military action in Iran, Wadephul said that such decisions are the responsibility of Washington and Trump, adding that the US government should announce if and when specific measures will be taken.

Wadephul also stressed that the partnership between Germany and the United States is strong, effective, and aimed at further development. He said that discussions on joint efforts for a just peace in Ukraine underscored that both sides stand on the same side of history, values, and interests.

Wadephul added that the US is fully politically and militarily connected to Europe within NATO and is committed to defending law and freedom in the Western world. He urged Europeans not to question commitments that are not questioned in Washington, referring to the mutual defense clause of Article 5 of the NATO treaty.

Rubio noted in his post on X that during the meeting, both sides "emphasized the importance of the US-German partnership on many shared global challenges," including promoting peace in Ukraine and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

https://unn.ua/en/news/german-foreign-minister-does-not-expect-us-military-action-against-greenland-after-meeting-with-rubio

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US President Donald Trump is showing no signs of backing down from his push to take control of Greenland. NATO's Secretary General says the alliance is working to strengthen the security of the Danish territory.

https://www.dw.com/en/can-europe-fend-off-trumps-interest-in-acquiring-greenland/video-75481073

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