The US Greenland Strategy

Why does it matter?

Greenland has become a focal point in U.S. strategy, not just because of its immense natural resources but also due to its strategic location in the Arctic. As global competition intensifies, the U.S. is making significant moves to ensure its influence over Greenland remains strong, both economically and militarily.

Greenland holds vast deposits of rare earth minerals, which are essential for modern technology like electric vehicles, smartphones, and advanced military equipment. Recently, the U.S. pressured a Greenland-based mining company, Tanbreez Mining, to sell its rare earth deposit to an American firm instead of Chinese investors. This wasn’t just about economics; it was about national security. Rare earth minerals are the backbone of cutting-edge technology, and the U.S. doesn’t want to rely on China, which dominates global production and processing.

By securing these resources through a U.S. company, America is reducing its dependence on China while ensuring access to critical materials for its industries and military. This is especially important as tensions with China over trade, technology, and global influence continue to rise. The U.S. understands that controlling Greenland’s rare earths isn’t just about today—it’s about ensuring technological and strategic superiority for decades to come.

Greenland’s location makes it a geopolitical prize. Situated between North America and Europe and close to the Arctic Ocean, it’s a gateway to emerging shipping routes as ice melts due to climate change. These routes are shorter and more efficient, making the Arctic a new frontier for global trade. Whoever controls Greenland can influence these shipping lanes and secure a stronger foothold in the Arctic.

The U.S. already has a significant presence on the island with the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base). This base plays a key role in America’s early warning system for nuclear strikes and is now undergoing upgrades, including new radar systems and airfield infrastructure. The upgrades could allow the base to host advanced fighter jets, like F-35s, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. These developments highlight Greenland’s growing importance in U.S. military planning, especially as tensions with Russia also escalate in the Arctic.

Greenland’s resources and strategic position have drawn interest from other global powers, especially China and Russia. China’s dominance in rare earths and its attempts to invest in Greenland’s mining projects have alarmed U.S. policymakers. Similarly, Russia’s increasing military activity in the Arctic poses another challenge. The U.S. sees Greenland as a way to counter both rivals. By strengthening its influence over the island, the U.S. can limit China’s economic reach and challenge Russia’s military ambitions.

Despite these strategic moves, Greenland’s government, along with Denmark, has pushed back against U.S. efforts. When former President Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland outright, the proposal was dismissed as absurd. However, the U.S. has continued to deepen its presence through economic deals and military investments, signaling that Greenland remains a long-term priority.

In a world where resources and security are increasingly intertwined, Greenland represents an opportunity the U.S. cannot afford to lose.