Global Security Briefing Greenland: A Flashpoint in Transatlantic Relations
Jan 28, 2026
Rachel Ellehuus, Director-General of RUSI and transatlantic security expert, breaks down the fallout from the Greenland crisis. She discusses strained US–Europe trust, continuing negotiations, and Greenland’s strategic importance for missile warning and basing. Rachel also covers historical grievances, NATO’s limited role, and how the crisis may push Europe to de-risk ties with the US.
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Damaged Trust In The Transatlantic Bond
- The Greenland dispute has eroded goodwill and trust between the US and its European allies.
- Rachel Ellehuus says this now undercuts perceptions of US reliability across the transatlantic relationship.
Harder Path To Future Deals
- President Trump's tactics of strong-arming allies made future deals harder to strike.
- Ellehuus argues that bullying and working outside channels hurt goodwill and appetite for cooperation.
Veterans' 'No Words' Protest
- Danish and Greenlandic veterans who fought alongside the US plan a protest called 'No Words' outside the US embassy.
- Rachel Ellehuus highlights their anger to illustrate the mood in the close Denmark–US relationship.