Trump’s Greenland Capture Threat: US President Donald Trump has repeatedly manifested a desire to annex Greenland since he assumed the presidency, referring to it as essentially a large real estate deal. During recent remarks, he warned that the United States would act on the island whether they like it or not, with strategic concerns about the spread of Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Accordingly, his statements have drawn widespread international criticism, raising questions about legality, sovereignty and the US approach to global diplomacy.
Trump reaffirmed his assertions that Greenland is a key part of U.S. national security concerns, stressing its geographic significance. Speaking on Air Force One, he expressed concerns about Russian and Chinese boats observing nearby regions and his doubts regarding whether Denmark could secure Greenland’s security.
Where is the Greenland
Greenland has been ranked as the largest island in the world with a total size of more than 2.1 million square kilometers. About 80% of Greenland is covered by ice. Greenland is located in the Arctic Circle with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants. The major population is found in the capital city of Greenland which is known by the name Nuuk. Greenland has been granted self-rule by Denmark to govern by which Denmark dominates its foreign policy, defense and economic issues. Greenland has been perceived to play important roles owing to its location.
Is Trump Considering Paying Out Greenlanders?
One of the plans that has been considered is compensating the inhabitants of Greenland to convince them to declare independence from Denmark. The amount of money that can be given to each of them may range from $10,000 to $100,000 per capita, with a total of up to $5.6 billion. It has been shown that there is a strong rejection of joining America with almost 85% of Greenlanders being against membership with the United States. Although it is possible within the right to independence of Greenland in 2009, they have always rejected the offer.
Can the US Purchase Greenland?
The Trump administration has made it official that they would like to buy the island, rather than taking it by force. In American history, they have purchased territories before, Alaska in 1867 ($7.2 million) and the Louisiana Territory in 1803 ($15 million), but in both instances, they were willing sellers. In this case, they would be met with opposition from international powers such as their allies within NATO, as well as from the European Union, should they decide to make a direct purchase of Greenland.
Has the US Attempted to Buy Greenland Earlier?
There have been attempts. William Seward, the Secretary of State in 1867, pondered the idea of paying $5.5 million for Greenland and Iceland. Then in 1946, Truman offered $100 million gold in gold for the territory in the form of acquisition due particularly to the role Greenland had in viewing Soviet actions. Still, others have been rejected. Even land swaps in 1910 were unsuccessful.
Can the US Attack Greenland?
Experts from the US armed forces consider that an attack will be an infringement of NATO obligations, lead to possibly dangerous conflicts with Denmark and provoke international condemnation. Although Trump has been making threats against Greenland, an invasion is extremely unlikely. In Greenland, there is still a US military base at Thule Air Base in northwest Greenland from 1951, which is used for missile defense and space monitoring. There are currently 650 US personnel in Greenland, more than Denmark’s forces in Greenland.
What are the Potential ‘Hard Ways’ Trump Could Try to Take Control of Greenland?
In addition to taking over by force, Newfoundland might have to employ “hard ways” of political coercion, economic force or voting manipulation to achieve independence. It should be noted, however, that Greenlanders are strongly opposed to US annexation, with Denmark, together with NATO and the EU, opposed to such a scenario. Such defiance would certainly be deemed illegal under international law and would dent US credentials internationally.
Why Does Trump Want Greenland?
The reasons quoted by Trump include the significance of Greenland in the Arctic region and military significance. He has also mentioned competition by either Russia or China. He asserts that should he not own the island, other nations will have a presence there. The obsession of Trump with this island has been interpreted partly as politics and partly because of personal traits involving real estate and comparison of situations globally.
What is the Greenland’s Dark History?
The history of Greenland can be traced back by the process of colonizing and the influence of European culture. The missionary Hans Egede re-established contact between Greenland and Northern Europe in the 1700s. In recent years, the positive influence of Denmark can be noted through quality infrastructure, health services, and education in modern-day Greenland. However, challenges like alcohol abuse and inequality affected the country. The demand for an independent nation shows a reaction in the face of historical domination.
