Greenland at the Center of Global Power Politics.

Greenland at the Center of Global Power Politics

Introduction

Greenland, the world’s largest island, has transformed from a remote Arctic landmass into one of the most strategically significant territories of the 21st century. Once viewed mainly through the lens of geography and climate, Greenland today sits at the crossroads of global power competition involving the United States, China, Russia, and Denmark. Its location, resources, and future role in the Arctic have made it a focal point of international diplomacy, security debates, and geopolitical rivalry.

Who Discovered Greenland?

Greenland was known to Arctic Indigenous peoples, the Inuit, long before recorded European history. However, in Western historical records, Greenland is associated with the Norse explorer Erik the Red, who is believed to have reached the island around 985 AD after being exiled from Iceland. He named it “Greenland,” likely as a strategic choice to encourage settlement.

Norse settlements existed for several centuries, but eventually disappeared due to climatic changes, isolation, and economic decline. Inuit populations, however, continued to live and adapt to Greenland’s harsh environment and remain the island’s original inhabitants.

Greenland and Denmark: Historical and Political Ties

Greenland became formally linked to Denmark in the early 18th century and today remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is not a colony in the traditional sense, but a self-governing territory with its own parliament and control over many domestic affairs.

Key points of the Greenland–Denmark relationship:

• Denmark handles foreign policy and defense on behalf of Greenland.
• Greenland gained home rule in 1979 and expanded self-rule in 2009.
• Greenlanders have the legal right to pursue full independence if they choose.

Despite close ties, many Greenlanders aspire to greater autonomy, especially as global interest in their land increases.

Why Greenland Matters to the United States

For the United States, Greenland is primarily a national security asset.

Strategic and Military Importance

• Greenland hosts the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), a critical installation for missile early warning, space surveillance, and Arctic defense.
• Its position allows the U.S. to monitor the GIUK Gap (Greenland–Iceland–UK), a key naval corridor used to track Russian submarine movements.

Political Statements and Controversy

Former U.S. President Donald Trump brought global attention to Greenland by publicly stating that U.S. control over Greenland was essential for American security. While no legal claim was made, the remarks highlighted how central Greenland has become in U.S. strategic thinking.

China’s Interest: Economy, Minerals, and the Arctic Future

China has no Arctic coastline, yet it describes itself as a “near-Arctic state.” Greenland plays a key role in Beijing’s long-term plans.

Economic and Strategic Drivers

• Greenland is rich in rare earth elements, uranium, and critical minerals vital for electronics, renewable energy, and defense technologies.
• China has shown interest in mining projects and infrastructure development, including airports and ports.

Global Competition

Western countries view China’s involvement cautiously, fearing that economic engagement could evolve into strategic influence. As a result, several Chinese-backed projects in Greenland have faced resistance or scrutiny.

Russia and the Arctic Power Balance

Russia views the Arctic as a core strategic region and has significantly expanded its military presence there.

Russia’s Arctic Strategy

• Development of Arctic bases and icebreaker fleets.
• Protection of the Northern Sea Route, which could become one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Greenland’s Role

While Russia has no direct territorial claim over Greenland, its proximity makes the island a frontline observation point in any future Arctic military or strategic confrontation between NATO and Russia.

Climate Change and New Opportunities

Climate change is reshaping Greenland’s future faster than any political agreement.

• Melting ice is opening access to previously unreachable minerals.
• New Arctic shipping routes could dramatically shorten travel between Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Environmental risks, however, pose serious challenges for Greenland’s ecosystem and Indigenous communities.

The same changes that create opportunity also raise global concerns about sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Greenlanders’ Perspective: Identity and Self-Determination

Amid global competition, the voice of Greenland’s own people is increasingly important.

• Many Greenlanders emphasize that Greenland is not for sale.
• There is a growing debate about economic independence versus political independence.
• The population seeks development that respects culture, environment, and sovereignty.

For Greenlanders, global interest is both an opportunity and a risk.

Conclusion

Greenland stands at the intersection of history, geography, and global power politics. Discovered by the Norse world through Erik the Red, governed today within the Kingdom of Denmark, and watched closely by the United States, China, and Russia, Greenland has become far more than a remote Arctic island.

Its future will be shaped by climate change, resource development, and the ability of its people to navigate the interests of global powers while preserving their autonomy. In the emerging Arctic century, Greenland is no longer on the edge of the world—it is at the center of it.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Founder & Chairman, Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan.

Author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocate of peace, economic reform, and social justice.