Or at least that’s what US President Donald Trump has done by threatening to go to war, if needed, to acquire Greenland for the US. This incendiary pronouncement has sent shock waves through European allies and escalated debates at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump’s threat to impose punitive new tariffs on European nations that oppose his unilateral approach has drawn blistering condemnation. Leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are fronting the strongest reaction.
This reality comes in the context of a growing crisis of the global order. Leaders at Davos have the opportunity and the imperative to meet Trump’s threats with stronger action. They further highlighted the importance of increased collaboration among like-minded middle powers to challenge assertive superpowers.
Trump’s Threat and Its Implications
Trump’s announcement that he wanted to buy Greenland has already alarmed many European powers’ governments. Macron is rightly rebuking the proposed use of tariffs to try and exert pressure. Macron condemned these actions as grossly inappropriate in principle and cautioned that these types of economic pressures should not be used to impose territorial sovereignty.
He stated, “It’s clear we are reaching a time of instability, of imbalances.” This feeling resonates with many leaders. They are terrified that Trump’s shock and awe tactics will lead to greater shocks and awes in turbulent international waters.
The European Union (EU) is preparing to respond to these threats by initiating a “massive European investment surge in Greenland.” This action will provide a huge boost to the local economy and infrastructure. It highlights the solidarity of EU member states against US bullying.
Unity Among Allies
As the Trump administration’s bluster has ramped up, US allies have started to coalesce against Trump’s aggression. Mark Carney emphasized the importance of middle powers cooperating with one another, stating, “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” It was founded on a harsh critique of the current state of international relations, where the old assumptions guiding international relations have all but disappeared.
Carney warned, “If great powers abandon even the pretence of rules and values for the unhindered pursuit of their power and interests, the gains from transactionalism will become harder to replicate.” His remarks reflect a growing consensus among leaders that a more collaborative approach is necessary to safeguard shared interests, especially in sensitive regions like Greenland.
Macron echoed this call for unity, asserting that Europe must strengthen its trade defense instruments while still seeking investment opportunities. “We like respect better than bullies,” he explained, the unmistakable shot at Trump’s preferred brand of intimidation.
Global Cooperation Amidst Tensions
Beyond these commitments, conversations at Davos included the larger narrative of what global cooperation looks like today. He Lifeng, a Chinese representative, said that the development of Beijing opens a great opportunity for the world economy. He stressed that it can’t be treated as a scary boogeyman. He stated, “China’s development presents an opportunity, not a threat.”
He emphasized the importance of a level and transparent investment climate for Chinese investors. His message reflected the sentiments of many other leaders at the conference. Lifeng’s point of view highlights the importance of working together on common approaches to common problems instead of turning to combative tactics.
Ursula von der Leyen took the opportunity to spotlight the current EU-India free trade agreement negotiations. She wanted to highlight that Europe, despite external pressures, is committed to deepening its economic partnerships with the world. She remarked, “Of course, nostalgia is part of our human story, but nostalgia will not bring back the old order.”
