Judging Freedom Prof. Glenn Diesen : Transatlantic Unity Is Cracking
Jan 21, 2026
Prof. Glenn Diesen, an academic and geopolitical analyst, delves into the fraying relationship between the U.S. and Europe. He highlights Norway's nuanced reaction to Trump's Greenland ambitions and discusses the continent's cautious diplomatic stance. With incisive analysis, Diesen explores NATO's dynamics, Russia's perspective on U.S. control of Greenland, and critiques U.S. sanctions, particularly regarding Iran. His insights on Macron and the risks of leaked diplomacy underscore the evolving geopolitical landscape, revealing the complexities of transatlantic unity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Nobel Email Undermined U.S.–Europe Trust
- Trump’s email linking the Nobel Peace Prize to Greenland sounded threatening and misplaced to Europeans.
- Glenn Diesen says Europeans viewed it as absurd and possibly a joke or deliberate 'madman' tactic to intimidate leaders.
Europeans React Only When It's Their Turn
- European leaders suddenly cite values and international law only after becoming targets of U.S. threats.
- Diesen argues Europeans long accepted U.S. interventions until they themselves felt threatened.
Russia Benefits From NATO Friction
- Russia prefers NATO and U.S.–Europe friction because NATO expansion is Moscow's main security concern.
- Diesen suggests fracturing NATO could open space for a new European security architecture less focused on confronting Russia.