What's happened
On January 21, 2026, President Trump arrived late at the World Economic Forum in Davos amid escalating tensions over his plan to acquire Greenland from Denmark. European leaders, including Macron and von der Leyen, condemned Trump's aggressive stance and tariff threats. Trump insists Greenland is vital for US security, while Europe warns of a rupture in transatlantic relations. Discussions on Ukraine and global economic issues also dominate the forum.
What's behind the headline?
Geopolitical Tensions at Davos
President Trump's assertive approach to acquiring Greenland has exposed deep fractures in transatlantic relations, challenging the post-Cold War order that has underpinned NATO and European security. His public threats of tariffs against European allies and ambiguous hints at military options have unsettled longstanding partnerships, prompting European leaders to adopt a firmer stance against US coercion.
The Greenland Gambit: More Than Territory
Greenland's strategic importance in the Arctic amid rising Russian and Chinese influence makes it a critical asset. Trump's insistence on control reflects broader US ambitions to secure dominance in the region. However, his tactics risk alienating allies and undermining collective security frameworks.
Diplomatic Theatre and Realpolitik
Trump's Davos visit combined public humiliation of allies with behind-the-scenes deal-making, exemplified by his reversal on tariffs after meetings with NATO Secretary General Rutte. This duality complicates diplomatic responses and highlights the challenge of engaging a leader who blends confrontation with negotiation.
Broader Implications
The forum also spotlighted other global crises, notably Ukraine's war and economic instability. Trump's presence and policies overshadowed these issues, raising concerns about the US's role in global governance. European leaders' calls for unity and strength signal a pivot towards greater independence from US influence.
Forecast
The Greenland dispute will continue to test NATO cohesion and transatlantic ties. Europe's resolve to resist US pressure suggests a more assertive stance in future negotiations. Meanwhile, Trump's unpredictable style ensures ongoing volatility in international relations, with potential impacts on trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation.
What the papers say
The Independent detailed Trump's combative Davos speech, highlighting his threats to impose tariffs on European allies opposing his Greenland ambitions and his public disparagement of NATO partners, including Canada and France. It also revealed Trump's sharing of private messages from Macron and NATO's Rutte, illustrating a complex mix of confrontation and flattery. The New Arab reported on the united European front against Trump's aggressive stance, quoting Macron's vow to stand against "bullies" and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's warning of a "rupture, not a transition" in the US-led global order. The Washington Post emphasized the overshadowing of Davos by Trump's Greenland rhetoric, noting his shift from housing affordability to aggressive foreign policy. The Guardian provided context on the expected shift in Trump's Davos speech focus and highlighted European leaders' concerns about rising autocracy and the erosion of international law. Reuters and France 24 underscored European leaders' condemnation of US tariff threats and the potential for NATO surveillance operations in Greenland, while also noting the broader geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and Russia. The Moscow Times offered insight into the diplomatic dynamics at Davos, including US efforts to engage Ukraine and Russia on the war, and the presence of a large US delegation signaling a desire to dominate the forum's agenda. Collectively, these sources portray a Davos marked by heightened tensions, strategic posturing, and a reconfiguration of alliances driven by Trump's Greenland gambit and broader foreign policy assertiveness.
How we got here
The World Economic Forum in Davos has become a focal point for rising tensions between the US and Europe, sparked by President Trump's aggressive push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. This move has strained NATO alliances and provoked threats of tariffs on European countries opposing the acquisition. The forum also addresses ongoing crises including the war in Ukraine and global economic challenges.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Trump's Greenland plan for NATO?
- How have European leaders responded to Trump's tariff threats?
- What role does Greenland play in Arctic security?
Common question
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Why Is the US Trying to Take Over Greenland Now?
Recent headlines reveal a rising tension between the US and Greenland, with reports suggesting that the US is considering military and strategic moves to gain control of the island. This has sparked questions about the motives behind these actions, the risks involved, and how other nations are responding. If you're wondering why Greenland is suddenly at the center of global attention, what the potential consequences could be, and what this means for international diplomacy, you're in the right place. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this developing story.
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Why Is Trump Leading the Davos Forum This Year?
The 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos has garnered significant attention with former President Donald Trump taking a leading role. His presence raises questions about the current state of global diplomacy, economic priorities, and geopolitical tensions. Many wonder what Trump's leadership at Davos signifies for international relations and the future of global cooperation. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding his participation and the broader issues discussed at the forum.
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What Are the Main Topics President Trump Is Discussing at Davos?
President Trump’s attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos has sparked widespread interest. With his focus on global tensions, economic issues, and US influence, many wonder what key topics he’s highlighting. This page explores the main discussions surrounding Trump at Davos and what they mean for international politics and economics.
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What does Trump’s presence at Davos mean for global politics?
President Trump’s attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos has sparked widespread interest and debate. His assertive foreign policy actions, especially regarding Ukraine, Russia, Greenland, and Venezuela, have raised questions about his influence on international relations and global stability. Many wonder what his participation signals about US leadership and the future of geopolitics. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Trump’s role at Davos and what it could mean for the world stage.
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Why Does Trump Want Greenland and What Are the Risks?
President Trump's recent interest in acquiring Greenland has sparked international debate and concern. Many wonder what motivates this move and what potential risks it carries for global stability. In this page, we explore the reasons behind Trump's Greenland plans, how European leaders are reacting, and what this could mean for future diplomacy and global relations.
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What Are the US's Strategic Goals in Greenland?
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More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
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Davos (UK: , US: ; German: [daˈfoːs] or [daˈvoːs] ; Romansh: ; Old Italian: Tavate) is an Alpine resort town and municipality in the Prättigau/Davos Region in the canton of the Grisons, Switzerland. It has a permanent population of 10,832 (2020). Dav
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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The World Economic Forum, based in Cologny-Geneva, Switzerland, is an NGO, founded in 1971. The WEF's mission is cited as "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape globa
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Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a German politician and the president of the European Commission since 1 December 2019. She served in the federal government of Germany from 2005 to 2019 as the longest-serving member of Angela Merkel's cabinet.
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Mark Joseph Carney OC is an economist and banker who served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 until 2013 and the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020.
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He Lifeng is a Chinese politician and the current Minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission. Earlier in his career, he worked in Fujian province and Tianjin.
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Klaus Martin Schwab is a German engineer and economist best known as the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.
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Laurence Douglas Fink (born November 2, 1952) is an American billionaire businessman. He is a co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BlackRock, an American multinational investment management corporation. BlackRock is the largest money-management firm in the...
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Scott K. H. Bessent is an American hedge fund manager. He is the founder of Key Square Group, a global macro investment firm, and worked as a financier for George Soros.
Bessent has been a major fundraiser and donor for Donald Trump. He was an economic ad
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a country situated in the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.