The Rachman Review Alexander Stubb on Greenland: the good, the bad or the ugly?
60 snips
Jan 20, 2026 Alexander Stubb, Finland's president and former prime minister, dives into the complexities surrounding Greenland's geopolitical tensions. He highlights the need for discreet diplomacy over public disputes to navigate the standoff with the US. Stubb discusses the implications for NATO and Ukraine, including how the Greenland controversy risks undermining peace talks. He praises Ukraine's resilience while advocating for sustained support and collaboration among European partners in addressing Russia's actions, emphasizing Europe's growing responsibility in a changing world order.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Three Possible Greenland Outcomes
- Alexander Stubb outlines three Greenland scenarios: diplomatic off-ramp, economic escalation, or military conflict.
- He believes diplomacy and NATO presence expansion are the likeliest and preferable outcomes.
Use Back‑Office Diplomacy
- Stubb urges open, quiet diplomacy and back‑office messaging to defuse the Greenland row.
- He recommends EU measures to increase incentives for US de‑escalation while talks proceed.
Security Versus Sovereignty Framing
- Stubb frames Greenland as either a security question or a sovereignty issue with legal complexities.
- He notes US military presence is already enabled by the 1951 agreement, affecting negotiation space.