Overview: Trump heads to Davos amid a fraught transatlantic moment
As the World Economic Forum opens in Davos, Swiss hosts welcome a familiar but controversial figure: United States President Donald Trump. His appearance comes at a time of rising strain in the transatlantic alliance, driven in part by his insistence on pursuing a Greenland strategy that could reshape geopolitics in the Arctic and beyond. European leaders, watching from the podiums and panels of Davos, are prepared for a public show of unity – and, perhaps, a sharper test of how far the alliance can tolerate divergent American priorities.
Greenland gambit: what’s at stake for Washington and Brussels
President Trump has repeatedly signaled an intent to examine Greenland’s strategic value, framing it as a potential lever for U.S. economic and security interests. The prospect of a U.S. move on Greenland has triggered a chorus of caution from European capitals, which fear destabilization in a region where climate change, Arctic resource competition, and security guarantees intersect. The central question: will Washington pursue unilateral options or seek aligned engagement with European partners who view the Arctic as a shared responsibility?
What Trump aims to achieve at Davos
At Davos, the president intends to project leadership in a forum known for scrutinizing free markets, global cooperation, and international norms. On the agenda: reassurance to allies about the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), trade relationships, and climate commitments, all while signaling that U.S. priorities remain at the forefront. Analysts expect Trump to frame Greenland as part of a broader strategy to renegotiate old assumptions about defense spending, energy independence, and strategic partnerships. The challenge will be to tempo the rhetoric so it does not widen rifts with European leaders who are already advocating for multilateral approaches to Arctic governance and security guarantees.
European responses: unity under pressure
Across European capitals, leaders are balancing a desire to preserve a long-standing alliance with the practical need to preserve autonomy in foreign policy. Davos attendees will be watching for signals on funding for defense, climate adaptation, and cyber security, areas where common ground could still be found even as views diverge on Greenland and related strategic equities. Some officials worry that a combative posture could erode trust at a moment when Europe is navigating security challenges from the Middle East to eastern Europe, and when U.S. political appetite for multinational commitments is increasingly tested at home.
Implications for the transatlantic alliance
The Greenland discussions intersect with broader questions about the durability of the transatlantic alliance. If Trump’s Greenland strategy gains traction without meaningful European concessions, allies may seek clearer assurances on burden sharing, defense spending, and long-term security guarantees. Conversely, a Davos moment that emphasizes cooperation and mutual interests could reinvigorate trust, spurring a reaffirmation of shared democratic values and a more collaborative approach to Arctic governance, trade resilience, and climate resilience.
Looking ahead: what to watch after Davos
Following talks in Davos, observers will assess how the themes addressed at the World Economic Forum translate into concrete policy steps. Will the United States introduce new proposals on Arctic security and economic cooperation? Will European leaders propose joint initiatives to balance national interests with collective security commitments? The answers will shape the next phase of the transatlantic relationship as both sides navigate Greenland’s evolving role in global strategy.
