The Overlooked Shadows: Why Global Perceptions of China and Russia Miss the Mark on North American Security

By Andrea McGurran, The Ark Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Staff Writer 

January 20, 2026

Standing on the brink of war? (Andrea McGurran/2026)

In the wake of President Donald J. Trump's inauguration for his second term today, a deepening transatlantic rift over Arctic security has thrust Greenland—a vast, ice-covered Danish territory—into the center of global headlines. Trump's renewed push to secure U.S. control of Greenland, framed as essential to countering Chinese and Russian influence in the region, has sparked protests in Nuuk and Copenhagen, emergency NATO discussions, and threats of tariffs on European allies (Reuters, 2026). Yet amid this controversy lies a larger, often underappreciated reality: much of the world, particularly in Europe and Canada, appears to undervalue the direct strategic dangers that China and Russia pose to North American security, while fixating on skepticism toward Trump's persona and policies. Supporters argue that his approach represents a necessary shield for the continent, even as critics abroad dismiss it as reckless unilateralism.

The threats from Beijing and Moscow to North America are concrete and escalating. Russia's ongoing military buildup in the Arctic, including expanded bases and icebreaker capabilities, combined with China's investments in polar infrastructure under its Polar Silk Road initiative, could enable greater military projection near Canadian and Alaskan shores; CBC News, 2026). These activities threaten vital sea lanes, undersea cables, and resource access critical to North American economies and defense. U.S. intelligence assessments have repeatedly highlighted cyber operations, espionage, and influence campaigns linked to both nations targeting North American infrastructure.

Trump has consistently positioned himself as a defender against these adversaries. During his campaign and first term, he advocated for higher NATO defense contributions, trade restrictions on China, and a firm stance on Russian aggression—policies he has signaled will intensify now. Proponents view this as pragmatic realism: fortifying North America first to prevent overextension and vulnerability. As Trump stated in recent remarks, adversaries are "playing chess while others play checkers," emphasizing the need to prioritize hemispheric protection.

This perspective, however, contrasts sharply with views in Europe and Canada, where Trump is frequently portrayed through a lens of distrust shaped by his background as a businessman-turned-politician, past controversies, and "America First" rhetoric. European surveys indicate persistently low confidence in Trump. A 2025 Pew Research Center report across 24 countries found a median of only 34% expressing confidence in him to handle world affairs responsibly, with 62% lacking confidence. In Europe specifically, favorability toward the U.S. declined markedly under his influence, with many viewing his style as disruptive to alliances.

Similar sentiments prevail in Canada. Polling has shown widespread skepticism, amplified by trade tensions and recent events. An Angus Reid Institute survey from early 2025 reflected growing concerns about U.S. relations, with only 17% holding a favorable view of Trump and 79% unfavorable. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland while committing to NATO responsibilities in the Arctic.

This perceptual gap extends to strategic misalignments. Europe's intense focus on Greenland—exemplified by protests against U.S. claims and multinational military exercises there—often overshadows more immediate continental threats. While the island's strategic value for monitoring Arctic routes and resources is undeniable, critics argue that preoccupation with it distracts from bolstering defenses against Russian advances in Ukraine and potential spillover. Without sustained U.S. leadership, including intelligence, logistics, and troop support, the Ukraine conflict could escalate into a wider European war, drawing in NATO's eastern members and straining the alliance further.

Europe's defense spending has risen—averaging over 2% of GDP in recent years, with all allies meeting or exceeding this target by 2025—but dependence on American capabilities remains significant. If transatlantic divisions deepen, as some fear from Trump's Greenland stance, Europe might face greater isolation in handling wars on its soil. This, in turn, could leave North America more exposed, particularly if allies like Canada align closely with broader NATO positions perceived as soft on adversaries.

Canada's position adds layers of complexity. As a key NATO partner sharing the longest undefended border with the U.S., its alignment with European-led responses to Greenland and Ukraine has drawn criticism from some American observers, who see it as indirectly siding against robust North American prioritization in the face of shared threats from China and Russia.

Ultimately, the current dynamics underscore a profound divide: while Trump seeks to safeguard North America by confronting these dangers head-on, much of the international community remains fixated on his methods and motives. Whether this leads to renewed alliance strength or further fragmentation will shape security for years to come.

SOURCES

Angus Reid Institute (2025a) Anger, betrayal and anxiety: Canadians say they're ready to fight back after tariffs drive views of U.S. to new low. Available at: https://angusreid.org/trump-tariffs-canada-retaliation-usa (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Atlantic Council (2025) NATO Defense Spending Tracker. Available at: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/commentary/trackers-and-data-visualizations/nato-defense-spending-tracker (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

BBC News (2026) Why does Trump want Greenland, and what could it mean for Nato? Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74x4m71pmjo (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

CBC News (2026) Russia and China co-operating more often and more closely in the Arctic, says NORAD commander. Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/russia-china-norad-defence-incursions-9.7040134 (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Fox News (2026) Russia, China not in Arctic for 'peaceful reason,' top US commander warns. Available at: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-commander-says-russia-chinas-arctic-patrols-not-peaceful-purposes (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

NATO (2025) Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2014-2025). Available at: https://www.nato.int/content/dam/nato/webready/documents/finance/def-exp-2025-en.pdf (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

NATO Association of Canada (2025) China’s Calculated Partnership: Decoding Beijing’s Alignment with Russia and NATO’s Strategic Response. Available at: https://natoassociation.ca/chinas-calculated-partnership-decoding-beijings-alignment-with-russia-and-natos-strategic-response (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Pew Research Center (2025a) Confidence in Trump in 24 nations. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/06/11/confidence-in-trump (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Pew Research Center (2025b) US Image Declines in Many Nations Amid Low Confidence in Trump. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2025/06/11/us-image-declines-in-many-nations-amid-low-confidence-in-trump (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

RAND Corporation (2025) Understanding the Risk of Escalation in the War in Ukraine. Available at: https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_briefs/RBA2800/RBA2807-1/RAND_RBA2807-1.pdf (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Reuters (2026) Greenland crisis shows time for flattering Trump is over, former NATO boss Rasmussen says. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greenland-crisis-shows-time-flattering-trump-is-over-former-nato-boss-rasmussen-2026-01-20 (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Richmond News (2026) There is 'much alignment' between Canada, China on Greenland sovereignty: Carney. Available at: https://www.richmond-news.com/national-news/there-is-much-alignment-between-canada-china-on-greenland-sovereignty-carney-11748862 (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

SIPRI (2025) Risk reduction is urgently needed amid rising tensions in Northern Europe. Available at: https://www.sipri.org/commentary/essay/2025/risk-reduction-urgently-needed-amid-rising-tensions-northern-europe (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

The Bureau (2026) Greenland Is the Flashpoint: China and Russia Test NATO, Canada, and Indigenous Arctic Jurisdictions. Available at: https://www.thebureau.news/p/greenland-is-the-flashpoint-china (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

The Independent (2026) Why Greenland shows only one rule applies in Trump's dangerous world. Available at: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/trump-greenland-nato-putin-china-chagos-b2901320.html (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Washington Post (2026) Canada will regret cozying up with China to troll Trump. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/01/20/canada-carney-china-xi-trade (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Washington Times (2026) China's Arctic push threatens Greenland and North American defense. Available at: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/19/chinas-arctic-push-threatens-greenland-north-american-defense (Accessed: 20 January 2026).

Wikipedia (2026) Proposed United States acquisition of Greenland. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposed_United_States_acquisition_of_Greenland (Accessed: 20 January 2026).