Emboldened by what it perceives as its unchecked freedom of action abroad, the White House under Donald Trump appears to have revived the old fantasy of acquiring Greenland and transforming the ice-covered island into a forward military outpost to secure American strategic ambitions. Reports that the US president has discussed options ranging from diplomatic and financial inducements to outright military action underline a dangerous shift in tone. What was once dismissed as rhetorical bravado now carries the whiff of intent. In an era where Washington is increasingly comfortable with naked displays of power, even the idea of seizing territory from a European NATO member no longer seems unthinkable.

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