What Does it Really Mean to be a U.S. Territory?

Trump's threats to forcibly take control of Greenland brought to the headlines the alarming notion of the United States seeking new territories, from a European ally. But the United States already faces pressing issues of territorial control and governance. In this podcast, we share the perspectives of two leaders who work on democracy, equity, and self-determination issues in current U.S. territories. Why does the United States hold territories? How are they governed? And what does the contrast between Denmark’s relationship with Greenland and Washington’s treatment of its territories tell us about how these relationships might change?  In this episode of the Just Security Podcast, Just Security co-editor-in-chief Tess Bridgeman discusses these questions and more with Neil Weare and Adi Martínez-Román. Neil and Adi are both lawyers, and are Co-Directors of Right to Democracy, an organization that works to advance democracy, equity, and self-determination in U.S. territories.   Show Note:   Neil Weare and Adi Martinez-Roman, How Greenland's Relationship with Denmark Exposes the Shortcomings of Being a “U.S. Territory” (Feb. 3, 2026) Collection: U.S., Greenland, and NATO  Watch this episode on YouTube.