Why The Us Wants To Acquire Greenland: Strategic Ambitions And Arctic Opportunities
NorthAmerica
Politics
The United States' idea of purchasing Greenland has been in the offing for quite a long time. However, the idea did not materialize until recently. The idea of acquiring Greenland is now being discussed in the political, public, and international arena. In 2019, Donald Trump showed interest in purchasing Greenland, part of the Arctic region, and making it part of the United States but the idea did not go through. The interest in Greenland dates to 1867. At that period, William Seward, the Secretary of State was in consideration of acquiring Greenland and Iceland. After the end of World War 2, the United States showed a keen interest in totality in acquiring Greenland by making a formal offer to purchase Greenland from Denmark at the valuation of $100 million. Harry S. Truman the US president offer to purchase Greenland was rejected by Denmark. The geographical location of Greenland is seen as of strategic importance to countries such as Russia, the US, and Denmark with the closest neighbors being Iceland and Canada. The melting ice in Greenland offers new shipping routes that would increase trade between Europe and Asia as it would reduce shipping time between the two regions. Greenland is home to a US military base which acts as the first deterrence in early detection of military threats in the Arctic region and against any potential threats against the US. Greenhand has immense natural resources including oil, natural gas, and other rare minerals. Due to climate change that has led to increased melting ice in the Arctic region, these minerals surface more attracting potential from different countries and mining companies. Due to climate change, Greenland has been a focal point for scientific research. Researchers rely on data from the melting ice in the Arctic region to make predictions and patterns on global climate change. As the Arctic continues experiencing changes, more countries will be interested in the region. Interest in the purchase of Greenland by the US led by Donald Trump was also rejected by Denmark, which raised questions as to why the US continues to push for the acquisition of Greenland. Despite Denmark rejecting the offer of acquisition of Greenland by the US, the two countries continue being partners, particularly in dealing with climate change. Donald Trump has revived his interest in the US buying Greenland in 2025. This could be a counter-response to Russia’s growing influence in the Arctic region. Russia controls a significant portion and has jurisdictions over 53% of the Arctic coastal line. The European Union led by Germany and France have voiced their concerns on the idea by the US to acquire Greenland. They have laid their emphasis on the US to adhere to international law by not interfering with the sovereignty of Denmark which has control over Greenland. Over the years, the US has made notable purchases of geographical territories. Some of the acquired territories are Louisiana (1803) acquired from France for $15 million, Florida (1819) from Spain for $5 million, Alaska (1867) from Russia for $7.2 million, Gadsden (1854) from Mexico for $15 million and Danish West Indies (1917) now US Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million. It is estimated that the cost of Greenland accumulates around $ 230 million due to its vastness and strategic positioning. If the US acquires Greenland, it will mark a century since it last purchased a territory. It will also mark a new era for the US as it will have more influence in the geopolitical and economic space in the Arctic region. However, such an acquisition is expected to be met with a lot of condemnation from European partners making it almost impossible for the US to acquire Greenland.
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