Nightlife NATO, Greenland and the New World Order
Jan 22, 2026
Professor Stefan Wolff, international security expert on NATO, weighs in on alliance dynamics and Russia. Dr Elizabeth Buchanan, polar warfare and Greenland specialist, gives historical and strategic context. They discuss Trump’s Greenland claim, limits on US bases, Arctic geography and strategic value, resource and commercial realities, and what this means for NATO cohesion and the wider world order.
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Trump's Davos Claim Lacked Legal Foundation
- Donald Trump publicly claimed a "framework" deal for Greenland after meeting NATO's Mark Rutte, without Danish agreement or details.
- Stefan Wolff and Elizabeth Buchanan emphasise NATO or its Secretary-General cannot unilaterally transfer sovereignty.
European Strategic Autonomy Is Rising
- NATO allies worry about U.S. reliability under Trump, prompting talk of greater European strategic autonomy.
- Stefan Wolff argues this could eventually strengthen Europe but also shift geopolitical weight away from the U.S.
Greenland As The Arctic 'Canal'
- Greenland's strategic value rests on geography and the emerging Arctic 'canal' linking Asia and Europe.
- Elizabeth Buchanan frames Greenland as a long-term geopolitical prize beyond immediate resource extraction.
