Donald Trump delivered a fiery address on the sidelines of the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 21 January 2026, showcasing his unconventional and emotionally charged approach to international diplomacy.
A New Era of Aggressive Statecraft
In his second term as US president, Trump has abandoned the traditional diplomatic mantra of "speak softly and carry a big stick", famously associated with Theodore Roosevelt, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. Instead, Trump's strategy might be summarised as "speak hysterically and threaten to use a big stick", a tactic that has yet to earn him any peace accolades but has certainly stirred global tensions.
Greenland Grab Dominates Davos Discourse
The buildup to Trump's speech was heavily focused on his persistent efforts to acquire Greenland, part of the Danish kingdom. At Davos, Trump made a specious argument, claiming the US is owed Greenland due to its defence of the Arctic territory during World War II and subsequent return to Denmark. He even mistakenly referred to Greenland as Iceland at points, highlighting his erratic grasp of geopolitical details.
Trump asserted, "It's a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many, many decades." He further criticised NATO, stating the US has "gotten absolutely nothing in return" for its contributions and expressed doubts about allies' willingness to aid the US if attacked, despite NATO's Article 5 being invoked only once after 9/11.
Contradictions and Concerns Over Force
Amid the bluster, there was a sliver of relief as Trump declared, "I won't use force" in his bid for Greenland, contradicting earlier White House statements. However, his track record raises alarms; he previously invaded Venezuela and captured its leader, Nicolás Maduro, after loud threats, and has taken similar aggressive stances towards Iran, potentially breaching international law.
Economic Threats and Tariff Tensions
Trump's diplomacy extends beyond territorial disputes to economic warfare. He has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on European wine and champagne, targeting the alcohol industry despite his personal abstinence. In retaliation, the EU has proposed tariffs on American whiskey, much of which is produced in Republican states, risking a trade war that could inflate costs for consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Unpredictable Path Forward
While much of Trump's first-term rhetoric fizzled out, his second term has proven more consequential, with a demonstrated appetite for foreign interference. His speech at Davos underscored a pugnacious style that rattles key US allies, leaving the international community to wonder how far he will go in harassing America's main partners. The world watches anxiously as Trump's hysterical threats continue to shape global politics.
