Greenland is the largest island in the world and is a territory that is autonomously governed by Denmark. In August of 2019, Donald Trump shocked the world by expressing interest in purchasing Greenland. There have been multiple reports that indicate that President Trump has brought up the idea with his advisors on multiple occasions and has even instructed his White House counsel to investigate the legal implications of such a transaction. A mixture of skepticism and humor was expressed in response to the revelation across various social media platforms and the media. In response to the idea, which was deemed “absurd” by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, President Trump decided to cancel a state visit that was scheduled to take place in Denmark.
The unexpected interest that Donald Trump has shown in purchasing Greenland in 2019 has captured the attention of people all over the world, causing curiosity and debate about his intentions, the possibility of such a deal, and the geopolitical implications that would result from such a transaction. There were many people who thought that the idea of purchasing Greenland was completely out of the ordinary; however, it was not completely unprecedented, nor was it devoid of any strategic rationale.
Over the course of the past few weeks, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his continued interest in purchasing Greenland. He has also discussed the possibility of retaking control of the Panama Canal and that Canada should be considered the “51st state.” The statement that “rules out any use of military force when it comes to these issues” was also rejected by Donald Trump. However, European leaders Scholz and Macron dismissed his offers, stating once more that the large Arctic island is not for sale. They also cautioned him that any unlawful attempt to gain control of the island will be met with military force, and that the European Union has the right to defend its territory without interference.
On the same day that the President-elect made the announcement that he would be purchasing Greenland, Donald Trump Jr., the son of the incoming president, took a brief trip to Greenland. “Greenland will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation,” he wrote on the social media platform Truth Social on Monday. He included the following statement: “We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World.” PLEASE RESTORE THE GREATNESS OF GREENLAND!
Don Jr., upon his arrival in Greenland, made the following statement: “These are individuals who believe they have been exploited.” They have not been presented with a fair treatment by Denmark. Whether it be coal, uranium, rare earths, gold, or diamonds, they are being prevented from reaping the benefits of their natural resources. There is no better place than this one.”
The question is, why does Trump want Greenland?
- The Importance of Geopolitical Situations
Greenland maintains a strategically vital position in the Arctic area, located between North America and Europe. With the Arctic becoming a focal point for global power rivalry due to melting ice and new sea routes, Greenland’s location is of enormous strategic relevance. The island serves as a gateway to the Arctic, where nations are fighting for control over newly available resources and shipping lines.
Through the Thule Air Base, which is an essential installation for missile defense and early warning systems, the United States already ensures that it has a military presence in Greenland. The United States military would be able to exert more control and surveillance over the Arctic region if they were to acquire Greenland, which would strengthen their foothold in the region. While Russia and China are increasing their activities in the Arctic, including the construction of military sites and the pursuit of resource extraction, this is of utmost importance.
Natural Resources, Number Two
In addition to rare earth minerals, oil, gas, and precious metals, Greenland is abundant in a variety of natural resources. Particularly important for the development of modern technologies like smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems are components that are classified as rare earth elements.” When it comes to rare earth imports, the United States is primarily dependent on China; however, securing Greenland’s resources might help lessen this dependence considerably.
Furthermore, as a result of climate change, Greenland’s ice sheets are melting, which could result in a greater portion of the country’s resource-rich territory being made available for exploration and the extraction of resources. Greenland was most likely seen by Trump as a long-term investment with tremendous economic potential. Trump is known for his emphasis on energy independence.
- Possibilities about trade
Changes brought about by climate change are causing significant changes to the Arctic terrain, which brings about both challenges and opportunity. Melting ice is opening up new shipping routes, such as the Northwest Passage, which might lower global shipping distances and prices for the whole world, while helping the U.S as a whole.. Controlling Greenland would offer the U.S. a strategic advantage in navigating and potentially dominating these burgeoning trade routes.
More of Greenland’s land is becoming accessible for development, resource exploitation, and scientific investigation as a result of climate change, which is causing the ice to melt and disappear. It is possible that President Trump considered Greenland to be a very valuable asset in light of the environmental changes that have taken place.
- Examples of Historical Precedents
There is no new information regarding the possibility of the United States acquiring Greenland. Immediately after the United States of America purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, they contemplated the possibility of gaining Greenland and Iceland. Greenland was a strategic asset during the early phases of the Cold War, and President Harry Truman made an offer to Denmark in 1946 to purchase it for one hundred million dollars in gold. The United States continued to keep a presence on the island through the Thule Air Base, despite the fact that Denmark denied the offer.
Thomas Jefferson and William Seward were two examples of influential presidents who made land acquisitions that had a significant impact on their respective countries. It is possible that Trump saw himself as following in the footsteps of these figures. One possible interpretation of his legacy is that he considered the purchase of Greenland to be a significant accomplishment.
Possible Consequences for Geopolitics
This interest in Greenland by Trump brought to light deeper developments in the geopolitical landscape of the Arctic. There is a growing competition among governments for influence and riches in the Arctic region as the rate of climate change quickens and the region becomes more accessible. It has become a focal point for discussions on sustainable development and environmental preservation that the Arctic Council, which is an intergovernmental forum comprised of Arctic nations, has become. Conflicts between large nations, on the other hand, pose a risk to the region’s ability to work together.
Expansion of Russia’s Arctic Territory
The Russian Federation has been aggressively expanding its military and commercial activity in the Arctic region, including the reopening of outposts that date back to the Soviet era and the deployment of modern weaponry. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it has also asserted its right to a significant chunk of the seabed in the Arctic.
The Aspirations of China in the Arctic
China has declared itself a “near-Arctic state” and has been placing investments in Arctic infrastructure and resource projects, despite the fact that it is not a nation that is located in the Arctic. The “Polar Silk Road” is being developed as part of its Arctic policy in order to make it easier for businesses to conduct business in the region.
Approach of the United States to the Arctic
However, Trump’s interest in Greenland highlighted the necessity for more participation in the region. The United States has been somewhat reluctant to build a coherent policy for the Arctic region. A stronger position in the Arctic and an expanded ability to oppose the influence of Russia and China would have been gained by the United States if it had acquired Greenland.
Having said that, what are your thoughts on the proposition that Donald Trump has of purchasing Greenland? Do you think it’s a good or poor idea?
