Greenland pursuit has to be on shortlist of really bad ideas, says CFR's Richard Haass

Summary

Richard Haass criticizes the US approach to Greenland, arguing that tariff threats and coercive pressure are a bad idea even if closer US-Greenland economic and security ties make sense. He says ownership is not necessary for defense or strategic access, citing past US support for Europe and Taiwan, and urges cooperation with Europe, Greenland, and Denmark. He also notes Arctic waterways are opening, increasing Chinese and Russian activity and rare-earth importance, but sees no immediate crisis beyond the one being generated.

• Richard Haass says the US pursuit of Greenland through tariff threats and coercion is a very bad idea.
• He accepts a case for closer economic and security relations with Greenland but rejects coercive means.
• He argues Golden Dome missile defense needs do not require US ownership of Greenland.
• He cites US defense of Europe and support for Taiwan as examples of influence without ownership.
• Climate change has opened Arctic waterways, increasing Chinese and Russian activity and rare-earth focus.
• He recommends working with Europeans, Greenland, and Denmark on Arctic resilience and deterrence.
• Market implication: US-Europe relationship damage would be economically and strategically costly.