President Donald Trump’s renascent interest in Greenland has resurfaced a raft of global attention to Arctic geopolitics but as the U.S. weighs Greenland’s strategic value and economic promise, officials stress the goal is negotiating position and partnership, not invasion. With a population of about 56,000, Greenland is at the center of vast natural resources, a strategic military location, and self-rule over Denmark.
Where is Greenland
Greenland is located in the Arctic region holding the position of the world’s largest island and it spans over 2.2 million square kilometers (836,000 square miles), which is equivalent to the total land mass of the territories of Saudi Arabia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo combined. Nearly four-fifths of Greenland is covered with ice and hence the highest concentration of inhabitants is situated around the southwestern part of this landmass, near its capital city of Nuuk. The source of livelihood for most of its inhabitants ranges from fishing to rare earth mineral mining, uranium, iron and potential oil and gas resources.
Trump Wants to Buy Greenland, Not Seize It
The Trump administration, as stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio before Congress aims for the acquisition of Greenland through diplomatic means as opposed to force. Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, further clarified this when she stated that the current president and his team of national security is actively discussing a purchase. According to news reports, a direct invasion of Greenland appears to be very remote, as Greenland happens to be a NATO ally.
Why Does Trump Want Greenland
A security concern was also at the heart of the rationale behind Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland. The Republican needs Greenland from the point of view of security. In particular, he warned of the possible influence of Russia and China in the region. Melting Arctic ice, in turn, may increase access to the enormous resource deposits of Greenland. In turn, Greenland might be important as a launch site for the United States on defense missions to the Arctic.
How Could Donald Trump ‘Take’ Greenland?
Experts outline two theoretical options:
- Military action: Though feasible due to Greenland’s small population and limited defense infrastructure, such an approach would violate international law and jeopardize NATO alliances.
- Purchase agreement: Historically, President Truman proposed buying Greenland for $100 million in 1946. Today, a treaty would require Greenlandic, Danish, and two-thirds Senate approval, making a purchase complex and politically sensitive.
What Has Trump Said About the US Controlling Greenland?
Trump has portrayed Greenland as a vital element of its security, not only a mineral source. Trump has been asserting, with no evidence provided, that Greenland is a mine of minerals and its waters are strewn with Russian and Chinese ships. High-ranking officials are exploring options for Greenland, while leaders of Trump’s administration continually clarify that diplomatic action remains the preferred course of action.
How Has Denmark Responded?
Greenland has been living under Danish rule now for three hundred-odd years. Denmark holds firm in that it refuses to sell Greenland to anyone. However, it still cooperates with the US on security issues and possible investment strategies. It escalated Arctic security expenditures by $13.7 billion last year. It also agreed to allow an expanded US military presence at the Pituffik airbase in northwest Greenland. The Greenlandic government generally supports independence. However, it does not want to become part of the US.
