Greenland has turned into a central arena for international power politics. US President Donald Trump has reportedly confirmed his interest in the United States buying the island. These efforts met with clear rejection in Denmark and Greenland. Nevertheless, these ambitions highlight the enormous strategic importance of the region.
The Arctic is becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change and the resulting ice melt. This opens up new trade routes through the Arctic Ocean and allows access to extensive raw material deposits. Significant deposits of rare earths are suspected in Greenland; these are crucial for modern technologies and the energy transition. Besides the USA, China and Russia are also showing increased interest in a presence in the Arctic, which is causing security concerns in the West.
The military relevance of Greenland is particularly evident through the Thule Air Base, an important stronghold for the US early warning system against missile attacks. Other Western partners are also active in the region. For instance, the German Armed Forces conduct exercises in Greenland to test operational readiness under extreme climatic conditions. While the local government in Nuuk wants to advance economic development, it also emphasizes its desire for sovereignty and the peaceful use of the Arctic. However, the geopolitical dynamic forces the autonomous region to position itself between the interests of the great powers.
