The leaders of Denmark and Greenland have issued a forceful rebuttal to US President Donald Trump's recent assertion that the United States "absolutely needs" Greenland for its defence. This marks the latest chapter in a year-long diplomatic tension, where Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in "purchasing" the autonomous Danish territory.
Why Greenland is in America's Crosshairs
The American strategic interest in the world's largest island is not new. Greenland's geostrategic location in the Arctic is paramount. During the Cold War, it served as a vital base, and today, the US operates the expansive Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) from there. This location allows the US to monitor potential missile threats from Russia, China, or North Korea and serves as a launchpad for operations towards Asia and Europe.
Beyond military value, Greenland holds vast deposits of rare earth minerals, crucial for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicles, and advanced weaponry. With China dominating the current supply chain, control over Greenland's resources would be a significant geopolitical win. Notably, Greenland banned uranium mining in 2021.
A History of Acquisition Attempts and a New '3-Phase Plan'
The US has a documented history of attempting to acquire Greenland. In 1946, President Harry S. Truman formally offered Denmark $100 million for the island. More recently, during his first term, President Trump proposed buying it, calling it a "large real estate deal," and cancelled a state visit to Denmark after the idea was dismissed as "absurd" by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
The current crisis intensified after Trump, emboldened by the fall of the Venezuelan regime, doubled down on his claims. A report by the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) alleged a covert three-phase strategy by the Trump administration to take over Greenland.
Phase one involved a charm offensive, including a visit by Donald Trump Jr. Phase two entailed direct pressure on Denmark, with Vice President JD Vance criticising the country during a trip to Greenland. The most alarming phase three, according to the report, involved infiltration and identifying Greenlandic citizens sympathetic to a US-led secession movement. The Danish intelligence service (PET) has acknowledged Greenland is a target for influence campaigns.
Sovereignty Fears and Global Precedents
Trump's actions in Venezuela, where he invaded and deposed leader Nicolás Maduro, have amplified fears in Copenhagen and Nuuk (Greenland's capital) about sovereignty violations. Denmark has accused the US of bolstering secessionist sentiments in Greenland.
The US has a precedent of territorial acquisition through purchase. It bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803 for $15 million, and the Danish West Indies (now US Virgin Islands) in 1917. This historical context makes the current rhetoric more concerning for the Danish kingdom.
The diplomatic standoff underscores the increasing militarisation and resource competition in the Arctic, with Russia and China also expanding their presence. Greenland finds itself at the centre of a new great game, where its autonomy and future are being contested by global powers.
