Will America attack Greenland?

Why in the news?

America's newly elected President Donald Trump had expressed his desire to take control of Greenland.

What is the matter?

• Trump first indicated his desire to buy Greenland during his first term as President in 2019.
• This week, he went a step further and expressed the possibility of using America's economic power or military to take control of Greenland.
• Reaction:
  • Danish and European officials have reacted against Trump's wish and said that Greenland is not for sale.
    • Its territorial integrity must be protected.
  • Greenland's Prime Minister Mut Inga clarified that Greenland belongs to its people and is not for sale.

Why does America want to occupy Greenland:

• Strategic military importance:
  • The geographical location of Greenland is strategically important for America.
  • It is located in the Arctic region, which could have given America a strong position from a military and strategic point of view.
• Natural resources:
  • Greenland has valuable natural resources such as minerals, oil, gas, and rare earth elements.
  • These could have economic importance for America.
• New sea routes due to climate change:
  • The ice area of ​​Greenland is melting rapidly due to climate change.
  • This is opening up new sea routes and areas of resources.
  • Their use could have been beneficial for America.
• Economic and tourism development:
  • The vast area and natural beauty of Greenland can be a potential asset for the tourism industry.
  • It could have increased the economic interests of America.

Four possibilities after Trump's statement:

• Trump loses interest and the matter cools down:
  • One argument is that Trump's statement was to stop the growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic region.
  • Both countries have increased their military and economic activities in this region, and the US probably wanted to inspire Denmark to increase its security in view of this threat.
• Greenland votes for independence and expresses its desire for closer ties with the US:
  • If Greenland moves towards its independence and accepts it during the voting, it will redefine the relationship between Denmark and Greenland.
  • America's strong support in support of Greenland's independence can be a catalyst for Denmark and other international community to accept it.

• Trump increases economic pressure:
  • Trump has threatened to impose a direct tariff of 10% on US imports to Denmark and other European countries.
  • This can not only harm the economy of European countries, but Denmark may also feel its impact on its key industries.
  •  Due to economic pressure, Denmark may be forced to make some concessions in the case of Greenland.
• Military attack on Greenland:
  • Trump does not completely rule out military action, indicating that military option can also be a possibility.
  • America has already established its military bases on Greenland and a large number of soldiers are also deployed there.
  • It is assumed that America already has control over Greenland to some extent.

About Greenland:

• It is the largest island in the world.
• It is located in the northern part of North America.
• Its area is about 2.16 million square kilometers.
• Most of Greenland is covered with ice, and 80% of it is icy.
• Its population is about 56,000.
• Most of the people belong to the Inuit (formerly 'Eskimo') race.

Political status of Greenland:

• It is an autonomous region of Denmark.
  • This means that it has independence in its internal affairs.
• Denmark has control over foreign affairs, security and defense.
• Greenland has its own parliament and forms its own government.
• It receives instructions from Denmark on many matters.