Pod Save the World 504: Has the World Finally Decided To Stand up to Trump?
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Jan 28, 2026 
Kenneth R. Rosen, author and foreign correspondent who wrote Polar War, discusses the Arctic and Greenland. He outlines why Greenland matters strategically. He explains how a melting Arctic is creating new economic and military stakes. He compares Russia and China’s Arctic moves and why the U.S. relies on partners. He highlights Indigenous impacts and dangers of reporting in the region.
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Greenland Walkback Was Mostly Cosmetic
- Trump's Greenland threat yielded only a face-saving agreement that largely preserves the status quo with NATO base access and limited new concessions.
- The episode shows Trump responds to market pressure and unified allied resistance rather than sound strategy.
Attacking Allies Hurts U.S. Influence
- Trump's comments denigrating NATO troops in Afghanistan provoked widespread international outrage and damaged U.S. standing.
- Public and political pushback from allies produced a quick walkback, showing resistance can constrain him.
Middle Powers Are Rebuilding An Order
- Mark Carney argued the rules-based liberal order is ending and urged middle powers to de-risk from great-power coercion.
- Europe, Canada, and others are building trade and supply networks to reduce dependence on the U.S. and China.
