Jason Davidson
@profjwdavidson.bsky.social
Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council/ Prof at U of Mary Washington
Research on NATO/ Transatlantic Security
Racing cyclist
Research on NATO/ Transatlantic Security
Racing cyclist
Pinned
What explains the transatlantic rift? It’s all about threat perception.
NATO allies’ differing threat perceptions provide the backdrop for what could be a contentious summit in The Hague this month.
www.atlanticcouncil.org
Some like to divide NATO allies into "good" ones who spend a lot on defense and "bad" ones/free riders who don't.
I argue in this @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social essay that differences in threat perception explain spending differences.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
I argue in this @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social essay that differences in threat perception explain spending differences.
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-at...
Reposted by Jason Davidson
“We have done so much for America”: Denmark fought alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan. Now, as Trump eyes Greenland, the families of fallen soldiers have a message for him, @isaacstanleybecker.bsky.social reports:
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
The Sacrifice of the Danes
After September 11, Denmark fought alongside its ally. The families of fallen soldiers have a message for Trump.
www.theatlantic.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:03 PM
“We have done so much for America”: Denmark fought alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan. Now, as Trump eyes Greenland, the families of fallen soldiers have a message for him, @isaacstanleybecker.bsky.social reports:
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Must have been a great feeling, even if delayed! Congratulations Dr. Weber!
January 16, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Must have been a great feeling, even if delayed! Congratulations Dr. Weber!
Reposted by Jason Davidson
New party identification polling from Gallup this week shows Americans are moving against Trump faster than they did in his first term. Adults were R+4 in 2024, now D+8. That 12-pt drop is 3x the change in the first year of his first term.
www.gelliottmorris.com/p/backlash-t...
www.gelliottmorris.com/p/backlash-t...
Backlash to Trump has been higher in his second term
Gallup's latest data shows Republican party identification down 6 points in Trump's second term — three times the decline in 2017
www.gelliottmorris.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
New party identification polling from Gallup this week shows Americans are moving against Trump faster than they did in his first term. Adults were R+4 in 2024, now D+8. That 12-pt drop is 3x the change in the first year of his first term.
www.gelliottmorris.com/p/backlash-t...
www.gelliottmorris.com/p/backlash-t...
Reposted by Jason Davidson
I wrote with @kanishkhkanodia.bsky.social on Trump's 'Golden Fleet' concept: an unaffordable guided-missile cruiser masquerading as a 'battleship', a potentially seriously under-armed frigate and, much more likely to get built at scale, a fleet of uncrewed vessels. www.economist.com/united-state...
A strategy that needs rethinking
The president’s plan for a “Golden Fleet” does not add up
www.economist.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:24 PM
I wrote with @kanishkhkanodia.bsky.social on Trump's 'Golden Fleet' concept: an unaffordable guided-missile cruiser masquerading as a 'battleship', a potentially seriously under-armed frigate and, much more likely to get built at scale, a fleet of uncrewed vessels. www.economist.com/united-state...
Donald Trump continues to use US Foreign Policy to advance the interests of his billionaire business buddies.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
How a billionaire with interests in Greenland encouraged Trump to acquire the territory
US president’s friend Ronald Lauder – who first proposed Arctic expansion – is now making deals in the island
www.theguardian.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Donald Trump continues to use US Foreign Policy to advance the interests of his billionaire business buddies.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Jason Davidson
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the Danes agreed to form a working group to discuss the surrender of Greenland to Trump. "No we didn't" says the Danish foreign minister, indeed "there will be no discussion of turnover." www.berlingske.dk/indland/det-...
Det Hvide Hus: Arbejdsgruppe skal drøfte »erhvervelsen af Grønland« – Løkke afviser
Onsdagens møde og NATO-allieredes styrker i Grønland ændrer ikke Trumps ambitioner om, at USA skal erhverve Grønland, lyder det torsdag aften fra Det Hvide Hus.
www.berlingske.dk
January 16, 2026 at 2:06 AM
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the Danes agreed to form a working group to discuss the surrender of Greenland to Trump. "No we didn't" says the Danish foreign minister, indeed "there will be no discussion of turnover." www.berlingske.dk/indland/det-...
100% this 👇 Congressional Republicans making clear that they would oppose any annexation of Greenland by force and Trump would need them to achieve it.
January 16, 2026 at 1:31 PM
100% this 👇 Congressional Republicans making clear that they would oppose any annexation of Greenland by force and Trump would need them to achieve it.
Ummmm, I would definitely go there. The only way to get through the hubris of the Trump admin (and its view that Europe is feckless) is with clear and loud threats of consequences.
January 16, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Ummmm, I would definitely go there. The only way to get through the hubris of the Trump admin (and its view that Europe is feckless) is with clear and loud threats of consequences.
My hope is that (in addition to any tripwire) Congressional Republicans will use the time to make clear that they will not provide the necessary funds and legislation to make annexation a reality.
January 15, 2026 at 2:59 PM
My hope is that (in addition to any tripwire) Congressional Republicans will use the time to make clear that they will not provide the necessary funds and legislation to make annexation a reality.
Reposted by Jason Davidson
Texas A&M sent this message to my students repeating a false claims that I declined to clarify the fact that my class address "race, gender, and sexuality." Here were my exact words:
"The topics of race, gender, and sexuality will be addressed throughout the course..."
Why involve the students?
"The topics of race, gender, and sexuality will be addressed throughout the course..."
Why involve the students?
January 14, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Texas A&M sent this message to my students repeating a false claims that I declined to clarify the fact that my class address "race, gender, and sexuality." Here were my exact words:
"The topics of race, gender, and sexuality will be addressed throughout the course..."
Why involve the students?
"The topics of race, gender, and sexuality will be addressed throughout the course..."
Why involve the students?
It is a good sign that the US agreed to a working group rather than just seizing 🇬🇱 by force. The more time goes by, the more obstacles can be put in the way of annexation.
US, Denmark and Greenland to form Arctic working group after tense talks
US, Denmark and Greenland to form Arctic working group after tense talks
January 15, 2026 at 12:45 PM
It is a good sign that the US agreed to a working group rather than just seizing 🇬🇱 by force. The more time goes by, the more obstacles can be put in the way of annexation.
US, Denmark and Greenland to form Arctic working group after tense talks
US, Denmark and Greenland to form Arctic working group after tense talks
🇬🇱 as a state would, of course, be political suicide for Republicans and they know it
my guess is that Trump's plan is for Greenland to become a territory rather than a state (but unlike other US territories, he WOULD insist that it be prominently displayed as part of the US on official maps).
my guess is that Trump's plan is for Greenland to become a territory rather than a state (but unlike other US territories, he WOULD insist that it be prominently displayed as part of the US on official maps).
January 14, 2026 at 9:53 PM
🇬🇱 as a state would, of course, be political suicide for Republicans and they know it
my guess is that Trump's plan is for Greenland to become a territory rather than a state (but unlike other US territories, he WOULD insist that it be prominently displayed as part of the US on official maps).
my guess is that Trump's plan is for Greenland to become a territory rather than a state (but unlike other US territories, he WOULD insist that it be prominently displayed as part of the US on official maps).
President Trump could do a quick military occupation of Greenland w/out Congress.
What he could not do w/out Congress is a military occupation and annexation of Greenland.
Greenland cannot become part of the US if Congress doesn't go along.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
What he could not do w/out Congress is a military occupation and annexation of Greenland.
Greenland cannot become part of the US if Congress doesn't go along.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
US senators introduce bill to stop military from occupying Nato territories
Legislation would prevent American forces from using congressional funds to annex Greenland
giftarticle.ft.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:23 PM
President Trump could do a quick military occupation of Greenland w/out Congress.
What he could not do w/out Congress is a military occupation and annexation of Greenland.
Greenland cannot become part of the US if Congress doesn't go along.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
What he could not do w/out Congress is a military occupation and annexation of Greenland.
Greenland cannot become part of the US if Congress doesn't go along.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Trump's continued insistence that the 🇺🇸 needs to own 🇬🇱 results from the hubris halo of the 🇻🇪 operation and his obsession with his legacy.
He might back off, however, if Congressional Republicans make clear that they will not provide the necessary legal and 💵support for annexation.
He might back off, however, if Congressional Republicans make clear that they will not provide the necessary legal and 💵support for annexation.
January 14, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Trump's continued insistence that the 🇺🇸 needs to own 🇬🇱 results from the hubris halo of the 🇻🇪 operation and his obsession with his legacy.
He might back off, however, if Congressional Republicans make clear that they will not provide the necessary legal and 💵support for annexation.
He might back off, however, if Congressional Republicans make clear that they will not provide the necessary legal and 💵support for annexation.
Excellent news. This is exactly what leading allies should be doing.
Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and France will participate alongside Denmark to expanded military exercises in Greenland.
Scoop with @victorjack.bsky.social and Chris Lunday www.politico.eu/article/denm...
Scoop with @victorjack.bsky.social and Chris Lunday www.politico.eu/article/denm...
Denmark and allies boost Greenland military footprint as Trump ramps up pressure
The deployment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies talk of taking over the Arctic island.
www.politico.eu
January 14, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Excellent news. This is exactly what leading allies should be doing.
Reposted by Jason Davidson
Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and France will participate alongside Denmark to expanded military exercises in Greenland.
Scoop with @victorjack.bsky.social and Chris Lunday www.politico.eu/article/denm...
Scoop with @victorjack.bsky.social and Chris Lunday www.politico.eu/article/denm...
Denmark and allies boost Greenland military footprint as Trump ramps up pressure
The deployment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies talk of taking over the Arctic island.
www.politico.eu
January 14, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and France will participate alongside Denmark to expanded military exercises in Greenland.
Scoop with @victorjack.bsky.social and Chris Lunday www.politico.eu/article/denm...
Scoop with @victorjack.bsky.social and Chris Lunday www.politico.eu/article/denm...
Reposted by Jason Davidson
"Denmark has sent an advance military command to Greenland as preparations are made to deploy larger forces to the Arctic territory...The advance command is tasked with preparing for the arrival of additional units" cphpost.dk/2026-01-14/n...
Denmark to deploy more troops to Greenland, DR reports - The Copenhagen Post
Denmark has sent an advance military command to Greenland as preparations are made to deploy larger forces to the Arctic territory, according to DR. The advance command is tasked with preparing for th...
cphpost.dk
January 14, 2026 at 12:15 PM
"Denmark has sent an advance military command to Greenland as preparations are made to deploy larger forces to the Arctic territory...The advance command is tasked with preparing for the arrival of additional units" cphpost.dk/2026-01-14/n...
Reposted by Jason Davidson
Trump's calculus (if he has one) could be that Europe struggles to help defend Ukraine. Therefore, Europe doesn't stand a chance of defending #Greenland.
If Europe gives in and doesn't put up a fight, inflicting American KIA casualties, then Europe consigns itself to strategic impotence. It's over.
If Europe gives in and doesn't put up a fight, inflicting American KIA casualties, then Europe consigns itself to strategic impotence. It's over.
January 14, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Trump's calculus (if he has one) could be that Europe struggles to help defend Ukraine. Therefore, Europe doesn't stand a chance of defending #Greenland.
If Europe gives in and doesn't put up a fight, inflicting American KIA casualties, then Europe consigns itself to strategic impotence. It's over.
If Europe gives in and doesn't put up a fight, inflicting American KIA casualties, then Europe consigns itself to strategic impotence. It's over.
Reposted by Jason Davidson
This is unacceptably stupid, as so many things these days
Anything less than US control of Greenland is ‘unacceptable,’ Trump says ahead of talks – Europe live
Anything less than US control of Greenland is ‘unacceptable,’ Trump says ahead of talks – Europe live
Trump claims ‘Nato should be leading the way for us to get it’ and ‘if we don’t, Russia or China will, and that is not going to happen’
US president Donald Trump has doubled down on his rhetoric on getting control of Greenland, insisting that the US “needs Greenland for the purpose of national security.”
In a social media post, Trump claimed that “Nato should be leading the way for us to get it,” and “if we don’t, Russia or China will, and that is not going to happen!”
“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, Nato would not be an effective force or deterrent - not even close! They know that, and so do I.” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:21 PM
This is unacceptably stupid, as so many things these days
Reposted by Jason Davidson
"We are somehow going the opposite way, creating the gods that could destroy us while housing them in the most nondescript, generic buildings imaginable." www.ft.com/content/7692...
Welcome to a post-human world: the vast anonymity of the data centre
These impersonal warehouses are the 21st century’s calling card — architecture for the computing power we are training to outsmart us
www.ft.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:46 PM
"We are somehow going the opposite way, creating the gods that could destroy us while housing them in the most nondescript, generic buildings imaginable." www.ft.com/content/7692...
👇 is my view. Trump wants 🇬🇱 to secure his name in the history books.
Republicans in the US Congress are the best means to force him to accept an alternative outcome because they would have to approve of an annexation and they would have to provide the 💵necessary.
Republicans in the US Congress are the best means to force him to accept an alternative outcome because they would have to approve of an annexation and they would have to provide the 💵necessary.
January 14, 2026 at 12:54 PM
👇 is my view. Trump wants 🇬🇱 to secure his name in the history books.
Republicans in the US Congress are the best means to force him to accept an alternative outcome because they would have to approve of an annexation and they would have to provide the 💵necessary.
Republicans in the US Congress are the best means to force him to accept an alternative outcome because they would have to approve of an annexation and they would have to provide the 💵necessary.
Reposted by Jason Davidson
I asked NATO boss Mark Rutte at a @reneweurope.bsky.social event today whether it was acceptable for one member to threaten the use of force to take the territory of another.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
January 13, 2026 at 2:56 PM
I asked NATO boss Mark Rutte at a @reneweurope.bsky.social event today whether it was acceptable for one member to threaten the use of force to take the territory of another.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
He declined to answer, referring to a previous answer about not being able to comment on internal discussions.
Rebecca Pincus noting how expensive it would be for the US to annex and occupy Greenland.
Why does that matter? Because Congress would have to provide the appropriations and many Republicans in Congress have said they don't support annexation.
www.npr.org/2026/01/12/n...
Why does that matter? Because Congress would have to provide the appropriations and many Republicans in Congress have said they don't support annexation.
www.npr.org/2026/01/12/n...
Why the Trump administration wants to 'take over' Greenland
President Trump has restated his intent to "take over" Greenland. NPR's A Martinez speaks to Rebecca Pincus of the Foreign Policy Research Institute about why Greenland is so important.
www.npr.org
January 12, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Rebecca Pincus noting how expensive it would be for the US to annex and occupy Greenland.
Why does that matter? Because Congress would have to provide the appropriations and many Republicans in Congress have said they don't support annexation.
www.npr.org/2026/01/12/n...
Why does that matter? Because Congress would have to provide the appropriations and many Republicans in Congress have said they don't support annexation.
www.npr.org/2026/01/12/n...
@gideonrachman.bsky.social is absolutely right.
If Europeans allow the US to seize Greenland to keep NATO together, NATO will no longer have any value. The only path forward is to oppose annexation and be willing to stand firm.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
If Europeans allow the US to seize Greenland to keep NATO together, NATO will no longer have any value. The only path forward is to oppose annexation and be willing to stand firm.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Europe needs to think the unthinkable on Nato
Conflict over Greenland could destroy the transatlantic alliance, requiring a new European security treaty to replace it
giftarticle.ft.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:25 PM
@gideonrachman.bsky.social is absolutely right.
If Europeans allow the US to seize Greenland to keep NATO together, NATO will no longer have any value. The only path forward is to oppose annexation and be willing to stand firm.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
If Europeans allow the US to seize Greenland to keep NATO together, NATO will no longer have any value. The only path forward is to oppose annexation and be willing to stand firm.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Jason Davidson
If you happen to be in DC on Tuesday, Jan 13th, I’ll be talking civ-mil at AEI — and free copies of the book will be available 🙂
January 9, 2026 at 9:03 PM
If you happen to be in DC on Tuesday, Jan 13th, I’ll be talking civ-mil at AEI — and free copies of the book will be available 🙂