The article talks about the Trump administration’s continued efforts to acquire Greenland as a territory. Trump said he would settle for nothing less than full control of the territory which has many of Denmark’s officials questioning the motives of the US. The article provides testimonies of Greenlanders who say that they are very skeptical of the US’s national defense claim, one citizen even adding that the US could be after the territory’s untapped natural resources. Trump also added that the island would be instrumental in the US’s new “Golden Dome” missile defense program which is designed to intercept or preemptively stop hypersonic missiles.
Trump’s approach to global relations seems to be “go big or go home” with many absurd requests to nations such as his offer to make Canada the 51st state and the current request to Greenland. Although these proposals are very large and unbalanced, the US is able to have them seriously entertained because of its deep political power in the current global system. While Denmark has also moved to expand its military presence in Greenland to defend against foreign powers like Russia and China, I believe it is also a stance against the US as a precautionary measure against Trump’s statement of guaranteed success.
The two major players are the US government and Denmark’s government. The US government will likely continue to push for some sort of hold in the arctic circle, be that Greenland or Canada, which could lead to weakened diplomatic ties with many of its allies. Denmark is likely to push back against the US until either they cease the requests to take control of Greenland, or the US seizes Greenland.
This article connects to sovereignty and potential self-determination. The article connects to sovereignty through Trump’s continued request to acquire Greenland which alludes to a threat against its sovereignty. Although the article does not connect to self-determination directly, Denmark’s government has stated it respects Greenland’s right to self determination leaving the door open for the country to potentially cede to the US.