Today, Explained Is Greenland free?
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Jan 22, 2026 
David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist, and Henry Farrell, Professor at Johns Hopkins University, dive into the curious case of Trump's Greenland ambitions. They dissect the NATO framework, revealing how Europe skillfully managed threats with strategic deterrence. Rennie highlights historical military ties that made ownership moot, while Farrell explains Europe's economic deterrence tactics. Together, they illuminate the complexities of U.S.-EU dynamics and the diplomatic dance that allowed Trump to back down gracefully.
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Unnecessary Greenland Crisis
- Trump's Greenland threats were unnecessary because long-standing US-Denmark agreements already allowed American bases and presence in Greenland.
- David Rennie says the crisis was avoidable and only harmed trust between the US and Europe.
NATO As A Negotiation Channel
- NATO-level engagement created a space for a provisional 'framework' without Denmark negotiating directly with Trump.
- David Rennie says this avoids worse outcomes while leaving Europeans worried about long-term trust erosion.
Cold War Footprint In Greenland
- During the Cold War the US had 17 bases and up to 10,000 troops in Greenland to monitor Soviet threats.
- David Rennie recounts that Denmark willingly allowed heavy US presence via a 1951 treaty updated later.