Greenland has been a political conversation since Norse settlers first stepped foot on its shores, though its autonomy has always been a question. The largest island on the planet has driven in many across the centuries, all hoping to tame the icy landscape and capitalize on what lies beneath to benefit themselves. By doing this, they’ve buried the indigenous peoples under colonization when they have the right to govern themselves. Currently, America is no different, advertising desire as protection.
The US’ interest in the frozen island goes back decades – from the Thule Air Base to the 1968 nuclear accident – and this isn’t the first time that the two countries have interacted politically. However, President Trump seems to view Greenland as a commodity to buy, not a land with rights, culture, and autonomy.
For decades, the Greenlandic people have fought to earn their rights from the Danish Kingdom. The quote, “Greenland is Greenlandic, Greenland belongs to Greenland,” spoken by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the phrase, “Greenland is not for sale,” emphasizes the Greenlandic identity and its autonomy.
Currently, the US is vying for the island to protect against potential future attacks from current enemies; Russia and China. Many European countries, including North American Canada, are rallying behind Denmark and Greenland to help against the US’ immense pressure. Canadian Prime Minister Anita Anand stated on social media that, “as Arctic nations, Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark are working together to strengthen stability, security, and cooperation across the region.”
The island itself is situated between North America and Europe, becoming a strategic location in case of war. In World War 2, it was used by the United States to build air bases to defend against potential attacks. However, there was an agreement made in 1951 that the Kingdom of Denmark would remain in charge of the island, despite America being allowed to operate military bases there under the control of NATO. Trump’s bold stance on buying Greenland shows a blatant disregard for previous agreements and the alliance with the international community.
As said previously, Greenland is not something that can be bought. Greenland is a beautiful place with its own history and autonomy. To buy Greenland is to put the country back centuries, to look at it through a lens of imperialism instead of partnership. Once said before, Greenland belongs to Greenland – and it should stay that way.
