The 56th edition of the World Economic Forum was held in Davos-Klosters (Switzerland) from January 19 to 23, 2026. Far from pointing out the economic course of global capitalism, the Forum today functions as a mirror of the crises, tensions and disputes between the Atlantic partners, in a context of inter-imperialist dispute and growing political and social polarization.
By Ruben Tzanoff
Greenland at the center of the scene
After the aggression against Venezuela, Donald Trump went on to make explicit his ambition to appropriate Greenland, by hook or by crook. He threatened his European partners with military occupation and 100% tariffs if they did not facilitate the transfer of sovereignty over the Arctic island. Thus he arrived at Davos, emboldened and bullying, referring to Greenland as a “piece of ice”, but considering it a strategic asset because of its rare earths, its energy potential linked to melting ice and its key geopolitical value.
Between limits and subordination
The financial markets and sectors of the bourgeois institutions had already reacted with alarm at such an attitude. However, the epicenter of the rejection came from the authorities of the European Union (EU), who disembarked in Davos wielding positions of defense of European sovereignty, security, energy and the economy, with threats to activate tariffs, establish subsidies and open new markets in Asia and Mercosur. Neither did they support the relaunching of the Peace Council as opposed to the role of the UN -they did, however, the ultra-right Orbán and Milei did-, which adds to other decisions of Trump to the detriment of NATO, the EU and any institutionality that he does not directly control. At the same time, EU leaders made clear their willingness to negotiate and reach agreements in order not to further deteriorate the strategic Transatlantic Alliance.
Concessions in the pipeline
Trump claimed, after meeting at the Forum with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, that he had reached the framework of a future agreement on Greenland and Arctic security, and that this would give the US “full access” to the island. The U.S. president stated that the pre-agreement is still being drafted “without time limit” due to “details”. According to media reports, Rutte would have granted the reinforcement of security in the Arctic; the cession of territory for new military installations; the revision of the agreement on the deployment of troops in Greenland to include an anti-missile shield; and the US power to intervene in the control of investments on the island, with the aim of exploiting natural resources and preventing the presence of Russian and Chinese capital.
The truth is that Trump goes back and forth with his policy, he lies and pressures and, moreover, there are no official confirmations of the points under discussion by any of the protagonists. However, it does not seem that Trump has left Davos empty-handed; that is why he announced that he will have everything he wants, that he would leave the imposition of tariffs without effect and said “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I will not use force” in allusion to the military occupation of Greenland.
Offensive, disorder and polarization
Inside and outside the conference halls, it has been reconfirmed that Trump seeks to bury the world order that emerged after World War II and the institutionalism that ruled for decades, in order to impose a new scheme under US hegemony, in the inter-imperialist dispute with China and Russia and with the old European imperialisms, lagging behind and weakened.
As a dynamic phenomenon, political and social polarization is deepening in countries of all continents. Workers and peoples are confronting Trump and other expressions of the right and the ultra-right with strikes, mobilizations and rebellions, as in Iran, even without revolutionary leaderships at the forefront. Even in the streets of the U.S. the social revolt against the ICE, the aggression against Venezuela and the policies of the Republican administration is growing.
Trump’s hand must be stopped
In short, the Davos Forum has reflected the economic and political crises of the capitalists, preserving its essence alien to the interests of the workers and peoples, for which reason it deserves to be buried by the repudiation and mobilization of the masses.
It is necessary to reject the imperialist ambitions of the U.S. occupation, the oppression of the Inuit population by Denmark and the EU – which is taking advantage of the situation to advance armament – and also the interference of Russia and China.
Revolutionary socialists have the task of supporting and promoting unitary struggles and self-organization to stop Trump, and to build strong radical left parties and regroup revolutionaries internationally, as the International Socialist League (ISL) does, with the banners of the government of the workers and the people and a socialist solution.
You may be interested in reading: “Greenland in Trump’s sights”.
