President Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland reflects a strategic foresight essential for America’s future security.
The world is entering a new era of Great Power competition, and the Arctic is the next major theatre of that competition, with Greenland its most strategically valuable territory. Both Russia and China recognize this and are rapidly moving to claim their place.
Rich in rare earth minerals, Greenland is the strategic high ground of the Arctic; a natural frozen island fortress that offers unparalleled advantages for scientific, military and intelligence operations. It also controls the vital northern missile corridor into the US.
Russia’s Arctic ambitions present an existential threat to US security interests. Moscow maintains the world’s only fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers and has reopened Soviet-era military bases across its own Arctic territories. Russia’s fleet of polar icebreakers is the largest in the world and is used to exploit and develop the Northern Sea Route. This lucrative commercial and military sea lane is fast becoming one of the world’s most strategic corridors.
China’s Arctic ambitions are relatively new but equally ominous. Beijing recognizes the importance of this vast land and in 2018 declared itself to be a Near Arctic State without any geographic connection whatsoever to the Arctic. Yet, China is building its own fleet of polar icebreakers.
China has ambitions to develop a “Polar Silk Road” in the region. In Greenland, Chinese companies have attempted to buy abandoned naval bases, invest in airport construction and secure mining rights for rare earth minerals.
Moscow and Beijing recently formalized years of collaboration in the Arctic by signing far-reaching agreements to jointly develop the Northern Sea Route. Their joint operations in the region complement each other’s strategic interests. They do not think in terms of four-year election cycles but of permanent geopolitical advantages. Greenland is a key prize worth geopolitical risk.
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Without a US-controlled Greenland, we might wake up one day to discover that critical rare earth mineral mines are Chinese-owned and that strategic shipping routes through the Arctic are controlled by 45 Russian icebreakers, including 8 nuclear-powered vessels. Not to mention the threat of advanced Russian and Chinese ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles.
As an American territory, Greenland would open a new frontier for economic investment and opportunity. From sustainable fishing and mining to high-tech research and tourism. The economic potential for its 56,000 residents is as vast as it is undeveloped.
A US-owned Greenland also creates a dynamic opportunity and a win-win-win scenario for Denmark, the United States, and Greenland, grounded in thoughtful strategic realism.
Denmark would be relieved of its substantial economic subsidy; the US would invest billions in infrastructure, defense and economic development and Greenlanders would receive greater security and significant economic and financial opportunities. Furthermore, NATO could continue to be a part of Greenland’s defense equation.
If Greenlanders prefer to remain under Danish sovereignty, that is their right to do so. But they should also be presented with the opportunity to accept the benefits of a new geopolitical arrangement.
If they opt for the security, prosperity and far-reaching opportunities afforded by American citizenship, the US should make available an attractive option.
Perhaps a territorial designation like that of Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands or the US Virgin Islands (a former Danish colony) could be established.
Another option could create a Compact of Free Association with the US. We know how to do this and can make it work. Greenland’s cultural and linguistic autonomy would be preserved under a US umbrella.
President Trump’s strategic instincts in Greenland are correct. His vision of shared security and prosperity for all opens the door to this important and timely geopolitical discussion. A US-Danish-Greenlandic Working Group has been established to discuss the realm of the possible. An excellent first start.
The US has previously attempted to acquire Greenland; in 1867, 1910 and 1946. Now diplomats must do what diplomats do: find an acceptable negotiated solution that promotes our shared economic and vital security interests. Beijing and Moscow will be eagerly watching.
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