Greenland, an island home to fewer than 60,000 people and 80% covered in ice 🧊, has unexpectedly become the center of a fresh geopolitical showdown.
Recently, the White House announced it is exploring "a range of options" to acquire this vast territory from Denmark — even hinting at the use of force. European leaders have roundly condemned the idea, but the Trump White House seems undeterred. How did we get here?
What’s behind the push? 🌍
Marc Jacobsen, Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Defense College, points to Greenland’s strategic Arctic location. "As new shipping lanes open and global powers eye natural resources, control of Greenland could shift tomorrow’s security map," he warns.
A blast from the past 🔍
Dr Darren Reid, an Assistant Professor of History at Coventry University, reminds us that the US has eyed Greenland before. "In the mid-20th century, Washington evaluated military bases here. Today’s talk echoes those Cold War–era concerns," he explains.
Voices from Greenland 🗣️
Tillie Martinussen, former member of Greenland’s Parliament, says locals feel sidelined. "It’s frustrating when decisions about our future are made without us. Greenlandic self-determination must come first."
Price tag realities 💰
Jeffrey Sachs, economist, argues the acquisition would be a financial quagmire. "The costs of infrastructure, governance and environmental care would far outweigh any resource gains," he notes.
While the idea of US control over Greenland might seem like a dramatic plot twist, experts agree it’s unlikely to go beyond talk. However, this debate spotlights the rising strategic importance of the Arctic in global politics.
What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
Reference(s):
Will the US take over Greenland – and what's behind the threat?
cgtn.com
