Trump’s Greenland ambitions could wreck 20th-century alliances that helped build the modern world order

How the US treats its allies has been a crucial question for every president. What evolved over the centuries into an official embrace of friendly nations is now being reversed by Donald Trump.

By: Donald Heflin, Tufts University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 19, 2026

Words: 1,610

Last Updated: 2 months ago

Body Text Preview

By Donald Heflin, Tufts University

Make Denmark angry. Make Norway angry. Make NATO’s leaders angry.

President Donald Trump’s relentless and escalating drive to acquire Greenland from Denmark, whose government – along with that of Greenland – emphatically rejects the idea, has unnerved, offended and outraged leaders of countries considered allies for decades.

It’s the latest, and perhaps most significant, eruption of an attitude of disdain towards allies …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us