In a move that has sent shockwaves across the Atlantic, former US President Donald Trump has set his sights on Greenland, raising the spectre of a potential acquisition—by purchase or force. This startling development, following his actions in Venezuela, has triggered a firm defensive response from Denmark and a cry for identity from the Greenlandic people themselves.
The Geopolitical Flashpoint: Why Greenland Matters
Trump's warning, issued on a Friday, was stark: the United States would "do something" about Greenland to prevent Russia and China from gaining a foothold on the strategically vital Arctic island. His administration confirmed that all options, including a purchase or forceful takeover, were under consideration. Greenland's immense strategic value lies in its location between Europe and North America, serving as a critical site for the US ballistic missile defence system and holding untapped mineral resources.
However, Denmark, which holds sovereignty over Greenland, immediately took up the mantle of defence. The European nation, backed by a wave of solidarity from its allies, firmly rejected the notion, asserting Greenland is Danish territory. Meanwhile, the voice of the island's inhabitants rang clear: "We do not wish to be Americans. We do not wish to be Danes. We wish to be Greenlanders."
Can Denmark Legally and Militarily Resist the US?
The situation raises a critical question: Does Denmark have the right and the means to fight the United States over Greenland? A revealing report fact-checking Denmark's stance highlighted a 1952 military directive that is still in force. This order mandates that Danish forces must immediately engage in combat without waiting for orders if Danish territory or military units are attacked, even if a formal state of war is not declared.
The directive explicitly states: "any attack on Denmark from outside or on its constitutional authorities is to be considered an order for mobilisation." This legal framework suggests Denmark is obligated to fight back. However, the military reality is complex. The US enjoys extensive access to Greenland under a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark and operated dozens of bases there during the Cold War.
Greenland's Ambiguous Status and the Road Ahead
The core of the dispute hinges on Greenland's unique political status. It officially became an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1979, managing internal affairs like education and taxation while Denmark handles defence and foreign policy. The 2009 Greenland Self-Government Act was a landmark, explicitly recognising Greenlanders as a distinct people with the right to full independence if they choose via a referendum.
All Greenlandic parties desire independence but disagree on the timeline. Achieving it would require replacing the substantial Danish subsidy of over €575 million annually. Experts warn Denmark risks exhausting its political capital to defend Greenland, only for it to become independent later. As Danish commentator Lone Frank told Reuters, "I don't understand why we have to cling to this community with Greenland when they so badly want out of it."
European support for Denmark is not merely symbolic. Allies fear that ceding Greenland to US pressure would set a dangerous precedent, potentially upending the post-1945 world order by emboldening larger powers to make territorial claims against smaller nations. For Denmark, the dilemma is profound: defending Greenland is crucial for its geopolitical relevance in the Arctic, yet it risks damaging its vital relationship with the United States amid growing Russian threats. The standoff over the frozen island is heating up, with global implications for sovereignty, security, and self-determination.
