Will Europe go to war against the United States over Greenland? Never say never

The United States and Europe have been economic and military partners for close to a century. The US was actively involved in the European wars aka World War I and World War II. With the help of the United States, Europe was rescued from Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini and their fascist backers. After WWII, United States and Russia who were allies became sworn enemies and fought several proxy wars throughout the world. (This indicates that allies can become enemies within a short time). To defeat Russia, the United States forged close partnership with Western Europe (including West Germany) against Russia and the Soviet Union. (West Germany aligning itself with U.S. against Russia again shows that yesterday’s enemies can become allies today). The ideological war between U.S. and Russia saw the U.S. and Western Europe prevail over USSR in 1989.

However, prior to the rise of the United States as a great power, saviour of Europe and later as a superpower, the European continent was a theatre of war between empires and great powers: France, Russia, Britain and Germany (Prussia). Napolean, Wilhem I, and other empire dreamers engaged in kinetic warfare culminating in WWII in which the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Imperial Japan) fought the Allies (United States, Russia, and Britain).

History tells us that territorial expansion and acquisition of natural resources by great powers have the potential to turn allies into enemies and ignite major wars. This is why President Donald Trump’s threats to seize Greenland by any means necessary is sending shockwaves in Copenhagen, Brussels, Berlin, London, Paris and other European capitals. The U.S. landgrab threat has the potential to disrupt the alliance between US and Europe and cause war between them.

Indeed, with the United States threatening to seize the Danish territory of Greenland, the European Union and its NATO members, particularly Germany and France will have two options: surrender Greenland to the United States peacefully or defend it through the force of arms. Both options are possible. However, the second option will not only be a war between U.S. and Europe. It will draw in U.S. enemies notably China, Russia, Iran and North Korea who want to see the end of the Transatlantic alliance and U.S. domination in world affairs. Japan, South Korea and Australia who are allies of both Europe and America will be caught in a dilemma as to which side to fight, however what is true is that there will be few spectators in such a war.

By Dr Lord Adusei
(21/01/2026)