Trump’s attempt to acquire Greenland carries serious risks, threatening stability and undermining peace in the region
After assuming office, President Donald Trump has taken an aggressive approach, disrupting the global order—first economically and now through forceful tactics. His push to acquire the Danish island of Greenland by any means signals a potential standoff between the US and Denmark, and possibly even Europe.The push by the US President Donald Trump to acquire Greenland has led to tension between the United States and Denmark. While the idea was initially dismissed as implausible, Trump’s administration has intensified efforts to assert influence over the resource-rich Arctic territory under Denmark though autonomous. Denmark has reacted with caution but with significant military reinforcements to protect its territory from any US misadventure. Greenland, the world’s largest island, holds immense strategic value. With its rich reserves of rare earth minerals, vital for modern technology and defence systems, Greenland has become a focal point in the global competition. China dominates the rare-earth market, and the US sees Greenland as a potential alternative source to reduce its dependency on Chinese supplies.
Besides, Greenland’s location provides a strategic foothold in the Arctic to dominate region. With climate change melting the Arctic ice and opening new shipping routes and exposing untapped resources, global powers, including the US, Russia, and China, have shown heightened interest in securing influence. The island is also home to the Thule Air Base, a key US military installation that plays a pivotal role in missile defence and early warning systems. Denmark has firmly rejected Trump’s ambitions, reinforcing its commitment to Greenland’s autonomy. In response to the escalating pressure, Denmark has announced a significant military expansion, allocating an additional 14.6 billion Danish crowns ($2.05 billion) to enhance security in the region. The new military strategy includes the acquisition of three Arctic naval vessels, two long-range drones, and satellite surveillance systems. These enhancements aim to address the limited military presence in Greenland so far. While Greenland remains a semi-autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, its growing geopolitical relevance has placed it at the center of international power struggles.The implications of US bid to take control over Greenland would be profound. Such a move would dramatically shift Arctic geopolitics, altering the balance of power and potentially heightening tensions between the US, Denmark, Russia, and China. The European Union has also expressed concerns over any potential shift in Greenland’s status, as it would affect security dynamics in the region. It remains to be seen whether Trump’s push to acquire Greenland will gain momentum or fade into history. Greenland has now become a pivotal battleground, and the Arctic, a once peaceful region, could soon become a new flashpoint the world can ill afford.
