Journalist Owen Jones argues that remarks by Donald Trump about the United States taking control of Greenland could have far-reaching consequences for NATO and the wider international order.
Jones says that because Greenland is part of Denmark, any attempt by the US to seize or annex the territory would place two NATO members in direct conflict. He highlights NATO’s collective defence principle and questions how the alliance could function if one member acted against another.
He also points to statements from figures close to Trump that do not clearly rule out the use of force, interpreting them as evidence that military options are being left open. Jones argues that Greenland’s strategic importance in the Arctic, including security considerations and access to natural resources, explains US interest in the territory.
In the commentary, Jones links the Greenland issue to what he describes as a broader pattern in US foreign policy, including recent actions in Venezuela and heightened rhetoric toward other countries in the region. He suggests these developments indicate a more unilateral approach to power.
Jones concludes by criticising the cautious response of European governments and calling for greater independence from the United States in security and foreign policy decision-making.
