Trump's Arctic Ambitions and Global Tensions Dominate Guardian Weekly
The dystopian landscape of 2026 continues to unfold with alarming pace, as former US President Donald Trump appears determined to acquire Greenland through either purchase or military force. This aggressive stance threatens to destabilise the entire Western security alliance, raising profound questions about the future of international diplomacy and global stability.
NATO Relations Under Strain
In characteristic fashion, Trump has communicated his intentions to European leaders through a barrage of social media insults and inflammatory rhetoric. As Patrick Wintour and Jennifer Rankin detail in this week's Big Story, the damage to NATO cohesion may already be irreversible. The strategic importance of Greenland has intensified due to melting sea ice, transforming the Arctic region into a geopolitical hotspot. Visuals editor Ashley Kirk employs compelling graphics to illustrate the dramatic changes occurring in the Arctic and the complex territorial claims surrounding this rapidly evolving landscape.
Greenland's Anxious Population
Remarkably absent from Trump's calculations are the perspectives of Greenland's own residents. During a visit to Nuuk, the capital of this autonomous territory, Nordic correspondent Miranda Bryant encountered a population gripped by anxiety and confusion. Locals report scanning skies and coastlines for signs of impending US military activity, with many experiencing sleepless nights as they contemplate an uncertain future imposed upon them by distant power struggles.
Essential Reading Highlights
Spotlight | The Cost of Trusting Trump
Deepa Parent and William Christou investigate the tragic consequences for Iranian protesters who placed their faith in American intervention, only to face mass arrests and brutal suppression when that support failed to materialise.
Environment | Thailand's Disappearing Dugongs
Gloria Dickie reports from Phuket on the alarming decline of dugong populations along Thailand's Andaman coast. Once home to one of the world's few viable populations of these marine mammals, the region has witnessed a devastating 50% reduction as dead dugongs continue washing ashore.
Feature | Cuba's Precarious Future
Andrei Netto examines Cuba's deteriorating situation from Havana, where 68 years of US sanctions and economic collapse have driven a quarter of the population to emigrate in recent years. The report questions whether the revolutionary regime can survive mounting pressures.
Opinion | Learning from Historical Lessons
In his final regular Guardian column, Martin Kettle reflects on the enduring hope and guidance we can draw from historical precedents during turbulent times.
Culture | Wales' New National Theatre
Kate Wyver interviews Michael Sheen about his ambitious plans for the newly established Welsh National Theatre, as the proudly Welsh actor seeks to bring major productions back to his homeland.
Additional Editorial Selections
The magazine also features heartwarming human interest stories, including a mother and son's transformative journey across Australia and the surprising intelligence displayed by Veronika, an Austrian cow whose behaviour has challenged scientific assumptions about livestock cognition.
Further digital content includes audio investigations into US Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices, video analysis of Reza Pahlavi's potential as an Iranian opposition figure, and a gallery showcasing winners of the 2026 World Sports Photography Awards.
