Norwegian researchers from the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI) have been active in national media in recent days, analyzing President Trump’s controversial Greenland remarks. Their expertise in Arctic geopolitics, international institutions, and small-state security sheds light on the potential implications for NATO, Norway, and the Arctic region.

Iver B. Neumann: From Security Partner to Security Problem
FNI Director Iver B. Neumann focuses on diplomacy and power strategies and provides insights into the historical and current U.S. interests in Greenland. Speaking to VG, he emphasized:
– ‘The U.S. has shifted from being a security partner to a security problem. If the power we rely on turns against us, what was safe becomes a source of fear.’

Neumann expanded on this in NRK's Politisk kvarter, pointing out that Trump’s threats to NATO allies erode the trust upon which the alliance is built.


Andreas Østhagen: Greenland’s Role in Arctic Geopolitics
Senior Researcher Andreas Østhagen examines U.S. Arctic interests and Trump’s approach to the region, with a focus on how this could affect Norway and Svalbard. In a column in Aftenposten, Østhagen described Trump’s strategy as clumsy geopolitics:
‘Geopolitics requires diplomacy and strategic chess. Trump, however, is playing dodgeball.’

Østhagen has also underscored Greenland's strategic significance in Arctic power dynamics, explaining to NRK Nyhetsmorgen:

‘Greenland is a critical piece in the strategic power game of the Arctic.’


Christian Prip: Denmark and Greenland in a Unique Position
Senior Researcher Christian Prip highlights the evolving dynamic between Denmark and Greenland. Speaking to VG, he noted:
– ‘Greenlanders have developed a stronger sense of identity. Greenland is not just a remote Arctic territory but a place of significant strategic and security importance.’


Arild Moe: The Svalbard Connection
Senior Researcher Arild Moe is an expert on Russian Arctic policies and the governance of Svalbard. Speaking on Dagsnytt 18, he suggested that Svalbard might also draw U.S. attention:
‘We cannot rule out that Svalbard could appear on the U.S. radar. While it is part of Norway, it is governed by an international treaty that involves multiple stakeholders, making any potential American interest more complex than in Greenland.’

Moe also highlighted the growing scrutiny of Chinese activities on Svalbard and their implications for the U.S.


For a Norwegian audience, the full Norwegian-language article is available here, with links to relevant coverage and an overview of our researchers' areas of expertise. https://www.fni.no/nyheter/fni-forskere-om-trump-og-gronland-undergraver-nato-og-skaper-usikkerhet-for-norge