According to a high ranking U.S official who spoke to USA Today, it may only be a matter of “weeks or months” before the United States does something significant concerning Greenland. This is an indication that there could be a change in the traditional Arctic policy which would lead to response from other countries.
The
statement was made by Thomas Dans, the White House’s Arctic commissioner, as
the Biden administration considers what to do about Greenland in the near
future. Although the U. S. government has analyzed options for taking over or
expanding its control over the island for many years now, these recent comments
imply that there could be hastening of such plans by Washington.
Strategic
Importance and Context
Greenland
is a self-governing territory under Denmark situated at a very important point
between North America and Europe with abundant natural resources. The location
is important because it can be used for military and civilian surveillance
purposes especially now when there is increased global competition in the
Arctic.
American
interests in Greenland go back many years but have heightened under both recent
administrations due to fears over activities by Russia and China. The region
also accommodates American troops at Pituffik Space Base, which is crucial for
missile/satellite monitoring purposes.
What the
Official Said
Dans told
USA Today that should the White House decide to speed up its
Greenland-strategy, then formal steps might take place within a short period.
“This is a train route with multiple stops,” he said, indicating that
some-intermediate negotiations might be bypassed for faster progress.
Although
specific actions were not stated, these comments indicated a refocused
attention on Greenland’s future and an optimistic view within certain quarters
of the American government that advancement could take place soon.
Pushback
From Denmark and Greenland
Officials
in Copenhagen and Nuuk have reacted strongly to any suggestions of change.
Leaders in Denmark as well as those in Greenland have always maintained that
they will not sell off their land and that any decision regarding its status
must follow democratic principles and respect sovereignty.
A senior
Greenland official described American discussions about taking control of the
island as “unfathomable,” underlining widespread local fears about giving up
control or changing governance structures.
Diplomatic
and NATO Implications
This issue
has created tension among NATO members. Denmark, being part of NATO, has
stressed that Greenland’s fate concerns the Danish Realm alone and its people.
While calling for diplomacy, other alliance partners have insisted on the need
for continued cooperation towards ensuring security in the Arctic region.
What Could
Happen Next
There are
plans for top-level discussions involving American, Danish and Greenlandic
leaders in Washington over the next few months. These talks will focus on
strategic partnership, legal matters, as well as ways of enhancing American
security interests without compromising sovereignty.