Arctic

The latest analysis, events, research, and commentary on Greenland and the broader region.
Analysis by Julianne Smith
Would Trump's Seizure of Greenland Be the End of NATO?
A boat rides though a frozen sea inlet outside of Nuuk, Greenland, on March 6, 2025. A boat rides though a frozen sea inlet outside of Nuuk, Greenland, on March 6, 2025. Global Politics
Evgeniy Maloletka / AP
As foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland prepare to meet with Trump officials, Ambassador Julianne Smith explains what US actions to acquire the autonomous territory could mean for the United States’ most important alliance.
Houses covered by snow are seen on the coast of Greenland Houses covered by snow are seen on the coast of Greenland Houses covered by snow are seen on the coast of Greenland Houses covered by snow are seen on the coast of Greenland Public Opinion
Americans Oppose Using Military Force to Take Greenland
RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey
Danish servicemen walk in front of Joint Arctic Command center in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Danish servicemen walk in front of Joint Arctic Command center in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Danish servicemen walk in front of Joint Arctic Command center in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Danish servicemen walk in front of Joint Arctic Command center in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. US Foreign Policy
Evgeniy Maloletka / AP
In Greenland, European Allies Push Back Against Trump's Pressure Campaign
ANALYSIS by Leslie Vinjamuri
Senator Dick Durbin speaking at the podium during a press briefing at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Ana Miyares Photography
US Foreign Policy

Roundtable and Press Briefing with US Senator Durbin on Greenland and Arctic Security

PAST EVENT VIDEO
A private roundtable discussion with US Sen. Dick Durbin reflecting on his recent bipartisan visit to Denmark and discussions on Greenland, Arctic security, and the evolving geopolitical tensions, including the potential impact on NATO.

In the News

Leslie Vinjamuri speaks with BBC News via video US Foreign Policy
How Trump's Greenland Moves Are Impacting the Transatlantic Partnership
In the News BBC News by Leslie Vinjamuri

Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri reflects on recent strains to US-European relations and what is at stake moving forward.

Three speakers appear on screen and two appear in a television studio US Foreign Policy
Trump Says He Reached a Deal on Greenland, Backing off Tariff Threat
In the News WTTW

Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Paul Poast and Council Board Member Richard Porter unpack the latest on the Trump administration's plan for Greenland and the future of Arctic security.

Craig Kafura speaks via video US Foreign Policy
Trump’s Announcement of ‘Framework of a Future Deal’ in Greenland Raises Questions
In the News NBC 5 Chicago by Craig Kafura

"America has had military bases in Greenland for decades,” says Council Director of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Craig Kafura. "The idea of needing to conquer Greenland, needing Greenland to be part of the United States for U.S. national security just isn't true."

Leslie Vinjamuri speaking with CNN over video call. US Foreign Policy
Europe Weighs Options Amid Threat of Trade War with US
In the News CNN by Leslie Vinjamuri

Council President & CEO Leslie Vinjamuri joined CNN live from Davos to discuss how President Trump's speech is overtaking the conversation.

Deep Dish Podcast

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast
Davos Shockwaves: A Turning Point for America and Europe?
Trump at Davos Trump at Davos Trump at Davos US Foreign Policy
Markus Schreiber / AP
Play the podcast
At Davos, Martin Wolf and Sir Robin Niblett say the Greenland debacle exposed Europe's red line. Has the transatlantic relationship reached a turning point?
Greenland Protest Greenland Protest Greenland Protest Greenland Protest US Foreign Policy
Evgeniy Maloletka / AP
How the World Is Reading US Power
Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast
European Security European Security European Security European Security Defense and Security
Ebrahim Noroozi / AP
Europe's Security Wake-Up Call
Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast
Event
Julianne Smith on the Council Stage
Ana Miyares Photography
Global Politics

The Future of Alliances in a Changing World

PAST EVENT VIDEO
Leslie Vinjamuri speaks with Ambassador Julianne Smith about how US alliances are navigating new pressures and what this means for the future of global partnerships.