Faisal Islam: Global disruption looms large over biggest-ever Davos

Apart from the snow and the temperature Greenland does not have much in common with the Swiss alps. But the fight for the future of the island looms over the gathering of world leaders and businesses at the World Economic Forum (WEF) this week.

Indeed the timing of Donald Trump’s extraordinary threat must have had in mind this meeting.

Trump loves Davos. And that is beyond strange given the views of his base.

Last year, he beamed himself into the WEF from the White House, appearing before an audience of largely bewildered European executives just two days after his inauguration.

There was awkward shuffling as he mentioned his territorial ambitions for Canada and Greenland, and made an “offer you can’t refuse” to those importing into his country. Build factories in the US or pay tariffs that will raise trillions. “Your prerogative”.

He did it with a smile, however, apologised for not coming, and promised he would be there this year.

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