Europe's Distrust of America Lingers After Greenland Crisis Averted at Davos
The West narrowly avoided a major rupture this week, but instead of relief, European leaders are bracing for more serious shocks to the trans-Atlantic relationship. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the mood was one of cautious apprehension as discussions centered on the recent crisis over Greenland and its long-term implications.
A Temporary Reprieve with Lasting Concerns
President Trump's reversal on using military force and tariffs to seize Greenland from Denmark provided a temporary reprieve, yet European officials remain deeply worried. Latvia's President Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized in an interview, "We are not yet out of the woods. Are we in an irreversible rift? No. But there is a clear and present danger. If we want to preserve the alliance, both sides need to be very, very careful." This sentiment was echoed by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who noted the relief that a NATO country would not attack another, but highlighted how such a scenario was previously unthinkable.
Shifting Focus to Derisking from the US
The Greenland crisis has accelerated European efforts to reduce economic, technological, and military dependence on the United States. Philip Gordon, a former national-security adviser, observed, "Trump drove Europeans for the first time to genuinely focus on alternatives to America and derisking. We can't just go back to where we were pre-Greenland threats." European leaders are now seriously considering vulnerabilities in U.S. software, payment systems, and communications platforms that could be disrupted in future conflicts.
Political Tensions and Strategic Realignments
The Trump administration's criticism of European allies and promotion of far-right parties has strained relations. Vice President JD Vance's speech in Munich last year underscored a divergence in values, while the U.S. National Security Strategy prioritizes resisting Europe's current trajectory. French President Emmanuel Macron pointed out that a united European response can force respect, stating, "The conclusion is that, when Europe reacts in a united way, using the tools at its disposal when it is under threat, it can force others to respect it."
Long-Term Security Implications
European officials are now weighing the security risks of reliance on American technology and weapons. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans warned, "We need to be prepared for scenarios that some might think are unthinkable. There are fewer pressure points on us if you are able to do it yourself." German lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter even suggested developing a European alternative to the U.S. nuclear umbrella, citing unpredictability under Trump.
A Broader Diplomatic Fallout
The crisis has damaged America's diplomatic standing. John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador, noted, "This has not been a good week for American diplomacy. We are seen as less than stable, and a leader doesn't want to be seen in that fashion." Despite the White House touting Trump's Davos trip as a success, allies like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney referenced Thucydides to describe a lawless world under Trump's doctrine.
Pessimism and Fear in Davos
The atmosphere in Davos was marked by fear and silence, as described by Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić. He observed, "This year, it was in a way the most hectic atmosphere, but at the same time people were very silent, not open at all, not discussing the real issues, trying to stay in the safe zone. Now, all of us, we look like zombies looking around and thinking what will happen tomorrow. Nobody feels secure in today's world." He predicted that the rift between Europe and the U.S. will deepen, with future crises being more problematic.
In summary, while the immediate threat over Greenland has been defused, the underlying distrust and strategic shifts signal a turbulent future for trans-Atlantic relations, with European leaders actively planning for reduced dependence on the United States.
