Understanding Trump’s Interest in Greenland: Key Reasons Behind the Acquisition
In late December 2024, US President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to annex Greenland, Denmark’s territory, to the United States. In January, Trump clarified that he was open to the possibility of a forceful takeover of the island. Bakhtiyor Ergashev, the Ma’no Center for Research Initiatives director, explains why the United States would benefit from acquiring Greenland.
Is Trump being serious
In addition to Greenland, the interests of US President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, also extend to Canada and the Panama Canal.
When discussing Trump’s statements, it is essential to consider that the system of counterbalances that existed during the bipolar world has changed. We are now moving toward a multipolar world, and as a result, international law is becoming less effective.
According to some experts, the world has entered a period of violent confrontation, competition and geopolitical turbulence that is no longer constrained by international law. In this new environment, the unchecked power of the strong is becoming increasingly significant.
The situation in the Gaza Strip exemplifies this. Twenty years ago, the current scenario would have seemed unimaginable. However, in this era of instability, where one hegemon is waning, and the foundations of a new multipolar world are being established, atrocities are occurring. The genocide in Gaza is happening before the eyes of the world, highlighting the harsh reality of contemporary geopolitics.
The importance of Greenland to the States
Greenland is a highly valuable resource that the US aims to acquire, as it significantly strengthens the US’s position in the Arctic. The Arctic holds an untapped wealth of mineral resources, including oil, natural gas, and rare earth metals. Competition for these resources is expected to accelerate in the 21st century, and America seeks to gain competitive advantages and opportunities. Control over Greenland provides these advantages.
Greenland plays a strategic role in the US defence network. A comprehensive system of American air bases and early warning stations for missile attacks has already been established in Greenland. In the event of a missile attack on the US, many missiles would likely traverse the Arctic region.
If the US were to deploy more missile defence installations, radar systems and air bases in Greenland, it’s potential for deterrence during such attacks would dramatically increase.
Discussions about Canada potentially joining the US relate to similar strategic considerations. Canada, like Greenland, represents valuable resources and an opportunity to enhance influence in the Arctic. It also serves as a strategic location for countering missile threats from the Arctic.
How it’s going to be annexed
Greenland will eventually become part of the United States. This could happen either through a referendum in which Greenlanders decide to secede from Denmark and join the US or simply by being purchased. This acquisition won’t be through violence or coercion; I believe America will diplomatically secure Greenland.
This is not solely President Trump’s personal desire but rather the shared intention of the United States’s military, economic and business elite, who are unified on this issue.
For instance, Trump recently suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and shortly afterwards, the US Congress began preparing a bill in response. This indicates a serious consensus on territorial expansion within the United States, and this goal will ultimately be realised.
What is the ultimate goal of annexing Greenland
The period of unipolarity is ending, and a multipolar world is emerging, characterised by the formation of large macro-regions. Global centers of power will establish zones of influence around them, where their currency and technological platforms will dominate.
The United States recognises that the era of global dominance lasted from 1991 to 2022; it is no longer feasible to control the entire world.
In response, the United States plans to create its macro-region for dominance, which it envisions as the Western Hemisphere. The larger this macro-region is, the better it will serve their interests. This intention includes annexing Canada and Greenland and regaining control over the Panama Canal.
The United States is reviving the Monroe Doctrine from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Moreover, the United States is concerned about the potential construction of a canal through Nicaragua, funded by Chinese investments. Americans opposed this project because they did not want China to establish an alternative to the Panama Canal in Central America, which would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The US has also discussed the possibility of annexing Mexico, despite the potential risks this poses to the nation.
In summary, America is attempting to create its economic macro-region as it lacks the strength for global hegemony. At the same time, due to established historical practices, the United States continues to engage in Eurasian and international affairs.
