Greenland: US Military Presence, Arctic Security & Critical Minerals

Subject: GS 02: International Relations

Context: US President Donald Trump announced that the United States, Denmark and Greenland had signed an agreement allowing the US to develop a significant military presence in Greenland. 

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Background

• Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
• Under the 2009 Self-Government Act, its government exercises wide legislative and executive powers.
• Greenlanders retain the right to determine the island’s future.

History of US Interest

Why Does the US Want a Presence in Greenland?

1. Military geography

• Greenland was a vital base during the Cold War (1945-91).
• The US operates Pituffik Space Base, which hosts an early-warning radar used by the US and NATO to detect missile threats and monitor Arctic activity.

2. Monitoring rivals

• Greenland’s position between North America and the Arctic helps the US monitor Russian and other military activity.
• China and Russia have reportedly scaled up Arctic military capabilities, according to an Arctic Institute research paper.

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3. Critical minerals

• Greenland has large deposits of rare earth elements and other critical minerals. These are used in mobile phones, electric vehicles and electronics, and also in weapons.
• China is currently the leading supplier of many rare earths, so Greenland’s minerals are part of the wider contest over critical-mineral supply chains.

News Source: DD News

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