Greenland is the world’s largest island and has been a part of Denmark since 1721 when Danish colonization began through missionary and trading posts. In 1979 the Island was granted home rule giving it an authority over most of its diplomatic and internal affairs, however the administrative controls were still meant to be maintained by the Kingdom of Denmark.
Geopolitically being in a strategic location in the arctic and complimented by its vast natural resources including rare earth minerals, oil and fisheries make Greenland a promising place for any nation to take a stronghold of when it comes to global politics. This geographical factor might also be a determinant why the US in specific has shown interest in purchasing the island at various different occasions and at different times, however those unfortunately never drew or evoked the Danish interest in selling the off-shore territory.
According to a recent report, Copenhagen has summoned a senior U.S. diplomat after Washington tried to interfere in Greenland’s affairs, demanding an explanation from the U.S. Counterpaths after media reports and intelligence assessments have hinted how they seem interested in the regions political, legal and internal aspects.
This issue ignites a tension between the U.S. — Danish relations and hints on a prospect that the United States might want to propose its desires to buy the Island once more, as it holds a really geostrategic importance. Fascinatingly the Islands northern areas also serves as a Thule Air Base which is a cornerstone of American missile defence and Arctic strategy.
The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen also stated that Denmark takes such allegations seriously, emphasising that “Greenland’s democracy and self-rule must be respected without external pressure.”
Analysts view this situation as something that can worsen distrust between Washington and Copenhagen, however an official statement from the U.S. side’s embassy in Denmark has yet to issue an elaborate response, as until now they have only commented on their desire for a “strong partnership” with Denmark and Greenland.
