The Intelligence from The Economist Thin ice: could the Greenland clash kill NATO?
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Jan 19, 2026 
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, analyzes Trump's controversial Greenland acquisition plan, highlighting its risks to NATO's unity. Rebecca Jackson discusses the booming megachurch culture, revealing how they operate like businesses, leveraging emotional experiences and national symbols. Tom Wainwright explains the trend of podcasts shifting to video formats, emphasizing audience engagement and the rise of interview-style shows. Together, they explore the intricate intersections of politics, religion, and media in today's world.
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Greenland Crisis Threatens NATO Trust
- Trump's bid for Greenland has sharply damaged European trust in the US and NATO's cohesion.
- Shashank Joshi warns this erodes faith in Article 5 and makes NATO's future precarious.
Stated Reasons Mask Deeper Motives
- Trump cites missile defence and strategic location as reasons to acquire Greenland, but those needs predate his presidency.
- Joshi suggests motives also include access to mineral resources and a desire to expand American presence on maps.
America Is NATO's Military Backbone
- The US is NATO's backbone because American forces and intelligence are deeply integrated in commands.
- Joshi says losing US leadership would make Europe far less able to deter or defeat Russia militarily.