Greenland Crisis Explained: What NATO Looks Like Without The United States

What if the unthinkable happens — the United States attacks Greenland? Greenland isn’t just an Arctic island; it’s a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark and part of NATO. An attack there could transform the alliance overnight. In this explainer, we break down what NATO would look like without the U.S.: air power, land forces, naval strength, and nuclear deterrence. From combat aircraft to aircraft carriers, Abrams tanks to submarines, the U.S. provides the backbone of NATO’s global reach. Without it, NATO would remain strong but regional — a completely different alliance. Understand why Greenland matters, why European leaders are sounding the alarm, and what could happen if the alliance is truly tested.