Denmark remains the popular choice among the citizens of Greenland, surpassing the United States. Even with recent threats, Denmark would still sweep the votes according to the Prime Minister of Greenland.[1] Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has described the annexation of Greenland as a top priority, citing it is an essential defense point against China and Russia.[1] The White House has considered the prospect of using military force, though a potential purchase of the island is not yet off the table.
Amidst this consideration, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen has stated that the use of military force to occupy Greenland would mark the end of Denmark’s allegiance to the NATO Alliance.[1] Mr.Trump disagreed with the comments made by the Danish Prime Minister deeming it as a ‘big problem’[1]. The strategic positioning of Greenland’s location between the Arctic and North America allows it to serve as a system of warning America of missile attacks in advance as well as an impeccable monitoring station for vessels in the region. Trump has reiterated that Greenland is of critical importance to national security, claiming that Chinese and Russian ships operate extensively in the region. This claim comes as a surprise as the U.S. military base of Pituffik, in operation since World War 2, contains over 100 permanent military personnel in Greenland[1].
Even though the U.S. has unlimited freedom to bring as many troops as they deem necessary into Greenland under previous agreements, The U.S. continues to strive towards complete ownership over Greenland. Furthermore, Trump’s recent statements earlier this week reiterated his disapproval of a lease agreement. The pressure applied by the U.S., a close ally of Denmark, was denounced by Frederiksen. Frederiksen also warned that “the most challenging part is ahead of us”[1], emphasizing the continued stress on their alliance.
Frederiksen happens to be correct in her remark as Greenland is being confronted with a geopolitical crisis according to the Greenlandic prime minister and remains adamant in their stance against consolidation with the U.S. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt are scheduled to pay a visit to the U.S. to convene with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Major European Allies and the next-door neighbour of the U.S., Canada, have published statements pleading how only Greenland and Denmark have the authority to decide which nations they associate themselves with as they forge alliances with Denmark and continue to back them. They emphasized how Greenland’s consolidation with the U.S. must be accomplished by the allies of Denmark and Greenland along with the U.S.[1] This must be a collective achievement as is stressed by the allies.
This achievement has been frequently punctuated by the allie as they also pledged and quoted principles of the UN Charter, the most notable being the prohibition on violation of the borders, integrity of territories, and sovereignty.[1] Trump’s employment of military force in capturing and retrieving the president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, has served as the catalyst for the resurfacing of issues concerned with the future of Greenland.[1] Trump has been told once before how Greenland is not on auction after he extended an offer to purchase the territory during his first terms as president. [1]
While Greenland’s strategic geographical location presents great national security potential, Trump may be focused on targeting Greenland for its natural reserves as well. Iron, Uranium, and rare earth minerals along with other natural resources in Greenland are in high demand on the global market which are becoming readily accessible due to its climate change causing the ice to melt. This has been proven to have paramount gas and oil reserves as is predicted by scientists and could serve as the reason behind the Trump administration’s focus on the region. [1]
All in all, the pressure applied on the U.S. over Greenland reminds the world of one of the most profound Maxim from Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian wars.[2] “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”[2] The quote involved Melian being addressed by the envoys sent by Athenian which occurred in 416 BC.[2]
This same notion is seen where the U.S. prioritizes brute force over moral or diplomatic negotiation over claiming authority over Greenland. The U.S. uses coercion to their advantage to rule Greenland with an iron fist. The U.S. should consider brokering a deal with Greenland in a diplomatic fashion rather than bullying Greenland and applying large scale tariffs on Greenland to quench their needs. In other words, the U.S. should mirror the actions demonstrated by Athenian and send envoys to establish a peaceful territorial deal in Greenland rather than use force to their advantage to get their way.[2]
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g3kw5ezepo