What's happened
As of January 2026, tensions persist between the US and Denmark over Greenland's sovereignty. President Trump insists the US must own Greenland for security reasons, while Denmark and Greenland reject any sale or forceful takeover. NATO allies, including Germany and France, have increased military presence to deter conflict and support Danish sovereignty.
What's behind the headline?
Geopolitical Stakes and Sovereignty
The Greenland dispute reveals a complex geopolitical struggle involving Arctic security, resource control, and alliance dynamics. President Trump's insistence on US ownership reflects a strategic desire to preempt Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, a region growing in global importance due to climate change and new shipping routes.
NATO Allies' Balancing Act
European NATO members, including Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway, have increased military deployments to Greenland, signaling support for Denmark's sovereignty while deterring unilateral US action. However, the rapid German troop withdrawal on a civilian flight suggests reluctance to escalate militarily.
Indigenous and Local Perspectives
Greenlanders largely oppose US annexation, emphasizing their autonomy and cultural identity. Protests in Nuuk highlight local resistance to being 'sold' or controlled by the US, underscoring the importance of Indigenous voices in Arctic governance.
Diplomatic Stalemate and Future Risks
Despite meetings between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials and the formation of a working group, fundamental disagreements remain. The US position has not softened, and Denmark insists on sovereignty. This deadlock risks straining NATO cohesion and transatlantic relations, especially amid tariff threats and political rhetoric.
Forecast
The situation will likely remain tense, with NATO allies maintaining a symbolic military presence to deter conflict. The working group may facilitate dialogue but is unlikely to resolve the core sovereignty dispute soon. Greenland's strategic importance ensures this issue will persist as a flashpoint in Arctic and global geopolitics.
What the papers say
Michael Crowley of the New York Times reports Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stating, "We didn’t manage to change the American position," highlighting the US insistence on owning Greenland. Al Jazeera notes Greenland's Prime Minister and local voices firmly reject US ownership, with protests carrying signs like "Yankee Go Home." Reuters and France 24 detail NATO allies' military deployments, with Germany sending a reconnaissance team and France joining exercises to bolster Arctic security. The NY Post emphasizes the symbolic nature of these deployments, noting German troops departed quickly on a civilian flight, suggesting European reluctance to escalate. Politico and SBS underscore the diplomatic stalemate, with Rasmussen calling Trump's position a "wish of conquering Greenland" and urging respectful cooperation. These sources collectively illustrate a multifaceted dispute involving sovereignty, military posturing, and alliance tensions.
How we got here
The dispute began after President Trump publicly questioned Danish sovereignty over Greenland and suggested the US might seize the island to prevent Russian or Chinese influence. Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory rich in minerals and strategically located in the Arctic, hosting US military infrastructure. Denmark and Greenland oppose US ownership, emphasizing sovereignty and cooperation.
Go deeper
- What are the main reasons behind the US wanting to own Greenland?
- How are NATO allies responding to the Greenland dispute?
- What is the position of Greenland's local government and people on this issue?
Common question
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Why Is Greenland So Strategically Important to the US?
Greenland's location and resources have made it a key focus for global powers, especially the US. Recent tensions with Denmark and Greenland over US control highlight its strategic value. But what exactly makes Greenland so important? Below, we explore the reasons behind the interest, the current disputes, and what it means for international relations.
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Why Is the US Interested in Greenland Now?
Recent tensions over Greenland's sovereignty have put the spotlight on why the US is so eager to claim influence over the island. With strategic importance in the Arctic and rich mineral resources, Greenland has become a key geopolitical prize. But what are the real reasons behind the US's renewed interest, and how are Denmark and Greenland responding? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this escalating dispute and what it means for global security.
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Why is the US interested in Greenland now?
Greenland has become a focal point of international attention, with the US showing increased interest in the island's strategic importance. This has sparked a dispute with Denmark and Greenland over sovereignty, military presence, and regional security. Curious about what’s driving this renewed focus and what it means for global politics? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this emerging geopolitical issue.
More on these topics
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Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
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Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. Denmark proper, which is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, consists of a peninsula, Jutland, and an archipelago of 443 named islands, with the largest being
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Lars Løkke Rasmussen RSKmd is a Danish politician who served as the 25th and 27th Prime Minister of Denmark from 2009 to 2011 and again from 2015 to 2019. He was the leader of the liberal Venstre party from 2009 to 2019.
Rasmussen has been a member of th
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