The international community faces a critical juncture as former US President Donald Trump’s return to power threatens global stability. It is imperative that Britain must lead the pushback against Trump’s aggressive “Donroe Doctrine.” This alarming posture demands a concerted European response, with the UK positioned to rally allies.
Recent actions, including the extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela and a startling threat to annex Greenland by force, underscore a dangerous reassertion of American dominance over the Western Hemisphere. This global adventurism challenges established norms of sovereignty and international cooperation.
This wave of international adventurism, highlighted by William R. Rhodes and Stuart P.M. Mackintosh in a January 2026 commentary on Project Syndicate, represents NATO’s most severe test. The “Donroe Doctrine” distorts the Monroe Doctrine into a neocolonial assertion of US control, risking fractured alliances and destabilized regions.
The threat to Greenland and international norms
The idea of annexing Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, directly challenges fundamental principles of sovereignty and self-determination. Such a move would violate international law and set a perilous precedent for global territorial disputes. Greenland holds significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic Arctic location and vast natural resources.
Its future rests solely with its people and Denmark, not a foreign power. This disregard for established international norms, particularly concerning a fellow NATO member’s territory, represents a profound challenge to the alliance’s foundational principles, as detailed by the Greenlandic Government.
The implications for European security are profound. NATO, an alliance founded on collective defense and shared values, would be severely strained if a key member acted so brazenly against an ally’s interests. This challenges the very spirit of collective security.
Maintaining the integrity of members’ territories and upholding the rule of law is paramount for the alliance’s credibility and cohesion, as outlined in its foundational treaties on the NATO official website. A direct challenge to Danish sovereignty would fundamentally undermine NATO’s purpose.
Britain’s unique position to lead
Britain, with its deep historical ties to the United States and enduring influence in Europe, is uniquely placed to spearhead a diplomatic pushback. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government can leverage these relationships, especially given Trump’s reported affinity for royalty, to foster a united front.
The proposed strategy, as suggested by Rhodes and Mackintosh, includes organizing a public meeting between British King Charles III and Danish King Frederik X. This symbolic gesture could underscore shared values and alliances. Such high-level, symbolic diplomacy could exert significant pressure on the US administration.
Reminding it of the importance of allied unity and respect for international boundaries is crucial. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office plays a vital role in international mediation and upholding democratic values. This tradition could be essential in the current climate.
Upholding democratic values and defending the principles of multilateralism is vital in this current climate. A coordinated European stance, supported by the UK, is essential to prevent a return to an era of imperial ambitions, as discussed by the Council on Foreign Relations.
The challenge posed by Trump’s assertive foreign policy is not merely an American issue; it is a global test of democratic resilience and the international rules-based order. Britain’s leadership in this moment is a strategic imperative to safeguard European stability and uphold the sovereignty of nations like Denmark.
By mobilizing diplomatic influence and fostering a unified European voice, the UK can play a decisive role in pushing back against policies that threaten to unravel decades of international cooperation and peace. The future of NATO and the principles of national sovereignty depend on such proactive engagement.
