Coffee House Shots Greenland: why Europe needs to 'grow up' | with Tim Marshall
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Jan 19, 2026 
In this discussion, political editor Tim Shipman and foreign affairs analyst Tim Marshall delve into the geopolitical importance of Greenland. They dissect Trump’s provocative tariff threats and the mixed reactions in Europe, alongside internal divisions within the U.S. government. Marshall explores the underlying motives behind Trump’s interest in Greenland, touching on issues of security and European defense spending. The duo also considers Greenland's place among global crises and predicts ongoing pressures on Europe regarding military capabilities in a shifting multipolar world.
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Greenland's Strategic And Resource Value
- Greenland is strategically vital because of its Arctic position between the US and Russia and its surveillance value.
- It also holds rare earth minerals that boost its geopolitical importance.
Existing US Defence Presence Makes Takeover Unnecessary
- The US already has defence arrangements with Greenland under the 1951 agreement and can expand bases and surveillance there.
- Tim Marshall argues Trump's takeover rhetoric therefore looks unnecessary and driven by other motives.
Bullying Allies To Pay More
- Trump's Greenland push may be about bullying allies into paying more for defence rather than pure security needs.
- Tim Marshall calls the campaign 'megalomania' and doubts it signals an imminent NATO break-up.
