US foreign policy in 2026 has prioritized expanded security arrangements and basing rights over formal territorial acquisition, as shown by the September agreement with Denmark and Greenland that increased American military access without transferring sovereignty. International norms, alliance commitments within NATO, and the absence of active disputes or occupations requiring annexation reinforce trader consensus against any US territorial gain this year. Historical precedent further supports this view, with no new annexations since the mid-20th century. Remaining uncertainty stems from potential late-year escalations in regional conflicts or sudden diplomatic reversals that could reopen acquisition talks, though such shifts appear remote given current trajectories.