New Delhi: US President-elect Donald Trump has not just stated his idea of bringing Canada into the US as its 51st state, but he has also set his eyes on Greenland. He has announced his idea of acquiring Greenland, labeling it an “absolute necessity” for the security of the US. While speaking at a press conference in Florida on January 7, Trump even refused to rule out military action to capture the mineral-rich Arctic territory. He expressed his doubt about Denmark’s legal right to the island and added that if they do have any right, they should give it up for the national security of the US.
Greenland: A Denmark territory coveted by the US
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and it is one of the two autonomous territories of Denmark along with Faroe Islands. The people of Greenland are full citizens of Denmark, and are also European Union citizens. Greenland’s capital and largest city is Nuuk. It is the largest island in the world and lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans.
Since 986, Greenland has been culturally and politically associated with Europe, specifically with Denmark and Norway. For at least the last 4,500 years, circumpolar peoples have lived on the island whose forebears migrated there from Canada. In the 10th century, the Norsemen settled there and in the 13th century, the Innuits arrived at Greenland.
Why is Greenland important?
While the Greenland authority has control over a number of governmental services and areas of competence, the Denmark government controls citizenship, foreign affairs including defence and monetary policy. Most of the people in Greenland are Inuit. Greenland is important for its location and natural resources. Its abundance of mineral wealth and the strategic position between North America, Europe and the Arctic zone have made Greenland a coveted place to the the great powers including the US, China and Russia. The melting ice of Greenland has exposed untapped reserves of rare earth minerals, natural gas and oil.
Also, the US has a military zone on the island. The island is home to the Thule Air Base of the US, a critical installation to detect missiles and monitor space. With Russia and China increasing its presence in the Arctic region, Donald Trump has decided to bring in Greenland into the fold of the US. Moreover, Greenland controls access to Arctic shipping routes which are now more navigable due to climate change. It could vastly reduce the trade routes between Asia and Europe, which will increase the economic and strategic value of Greenland.
US President-elect Donald Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland has sparked international controversy. Trump cited national security concerns, highlighting Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth. This move raises questions about Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s self-determination, potentially escalating geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
