In the 37th episode of This Time Tomorrow, we discuss the absurd, surreal escalation of Donald Trump’s long-standing fixation on Greenland, including threats of tariffs against Europe and rhetoric that continues to undermine international norms. The move simply does not make much sense, given existing US–Denmark agreements that already allow unlimited American military presence on Greenland. So what’s actually in it for Trump?
European leaders have responded rhetorically by backing Denmark and Greenland’s right to self-determination, while debating trade retaliation tools and limited military signalling. And yet, coordination and resolve remain… Well, a bit weak?
Trump’s behavior appears to be driven less by policy than by a desire to dominate headlines, extract concessions, and destabilise institutions (if not a downright desire to “burn down” the global order).
Europe must plan for worst-case scenarios by building greater military, economic, and technological autonomy. (Basically, it’s time for Europe to dump her crazy boyfriend and delete his number.) In the meantime, the bare minimum we can do is try to manage various Trumpian psychodrama to avoid outright conflict.
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