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Even without Greenland, expert says Trump is coming out ahead in Arctic

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Adam Allington

President Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric about acquiring Greenland has triggered anxious talks among European leaders. Denmark recently announced a $2-billion investment to strengthen security in the North Atlantic.


James Rogers

Director of the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute

James Rogers, executive director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute, advises the U.N. Security Council on the global proliferation of high-tech weapons systems. While Trump may not convince Denmark to sell Greenland, Rogers says he has coerced the Danes into doing part of what he wanted.

Rogers says:

“If his stated aims are true, to increase international security and protect the U.S. from the very real threat of Russia and China in the Arctic, then his close NATO allies in the Kingdom of Denmark have answered that call. They are investing billions more dollars into Arctic defense because of Trump's robust politics. 

“For Denmark, there are still many more lessons to learn. Not only have they been weak on Arctic defense and slow to react, but while they are investing in the defense of Greenland, there is also a general history of neglect that the Danish government needs to recognize in order to respect and resolve the everyday challenges the people of Greenland face.

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