The View from Denmark as Trump Threatens Greenland | Søren Lippert

The View from Denmark as Trump Threatens Greenland | Søren Lippert

Author: Global Dispatches January 14, 2026 Duration: 27:13

Danes are reeling from the aggressive nature of Donald Trump's designs on Greenland — but there is little they can do to stop the United States from acquiring the territory, whether by force or coercion. This is an odd position for Denmark, which has long been one of America's staunchest allies, as well as a core member of the European Union and NATO.

My interview guest, Søren Lippert, is the CEO of an independent security policy think tank in Denmark, Ny Verden ("New World" in English). We kick off by briefly discussing the historic, cultural, and political relationship between Greenland and Denmark before moving into a longer conversation about the vast implications of America's aggressive posture toward Greenland. As he explains, Denmark, Europe, NATO, and the very foundations of the transatlantic alliance are all imperiled by Trump's quixotic desire to make Greenland part of the United States. 

Support the show.

https://www.globaldispatches.org/


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
How to Transform Education in Africa  | Future of Africa, Episode 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:56
Education in Africa must do more than keep up — it must leap ahead. Vimbai Masiyiwa champions entrepreneurship education that sparks job creation, while Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam draws lessons from reforming Senegal's…
The Climate, Peace & Security Nexus | Future of Africa Episode 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:27
What does it mean to make peace with nature — and why could that be the key to lasting peace between people? Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos shares the extraordinary indigenous mandate that shaped his leade…
What We Can Expect from the Putin-Trump Alaska Summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:36
The past week has seen a frenzy of diplomatic activity on Ukraine, culminating in Donald Trump's extraordinary announcement that he will host Vladimir Putin in Alaska for talks on the war. Setting aside the propriety of…
Famine in Gaza — A Political and Humanitarian Tipping Point? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:20
"The worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip." That was the conclusion of a July 29 report by the leading global authority on food security, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classificat…