Greenland in the Spotlight: A Nation Caught Between Colonial Legacies and Modern Geopolitical Ambitions

A Small Island with Big Implications

Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, has recently become a hotspot for international attention, particularly due to former US President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring the island. As a journalist, I traveled to this Arctic nation to uncover what makes Greenland so attractive to global powers and to gauge the sentiments of its people regarding Trump’s overtures. Greenland, geographically part of North America but politically tied to Denmark, is a member of NATO and a close US ally. Its strategic location and abundant natural resources make it a prized possession in the eyes of many.

Walking through the newly expanded international airport in Nuuk, I encountered Tom Dans, a tall Texan with a wide, charismatic smile and an American flag emblazoned on his baseball cap. Dans, a private equity investor with Arctic interests and a Trump supporter, was in Greenland to promote stronger US-Greenland relations. He emphasized Greenland’s importance to US national security, calling it the “front door for North America.” His presence at the airport was symbolic of the growing American interest in the island.

The journey into Nuuk revealed more about the island’sunique challenges. With only 56 miles of paved roads and a population of just 57,000, Greenland is a land of stark beauty and resilience. The economy is heavily reliant on fishing and an annual grant of $500 million from Denmark to fund essential services like healthcare and education. Yet, as the world becomes increasingly aware of Greenland’s strategic and resource-rich potential, questions about its future grow louder.

The Weight of Colonial History and Cultural Identity

Greenland’s history is deeply intertwined with Denmark, which colonized the island in the 18th century. While Greenland gained home-rule in 1979 and expanded its autonomy in 2008, the legacy of Danish control remains a sensitive topic for many Greenlanders. Qupanuk Olsen, a prominent Inuit influencer with over a million followers across social media platforms, spoke candidly about the wounds of colonization. She recalled how Danish authorities historically demeaned the Inuit people, implying they were incapable of self-governance without Danish oversight.

Olsen took me to the rocky coast of Nuuk to visit the “Mother of the Sea,” a striking stone sculpture of Sedna, the Inuit goddess of the sea. The statue, partially submerged at high tide, symbolizes the deep connection between the Inuit people and their natural environment. Yet, just a short walk away stands a statue of Hans Egede, the Dano-Norwegian missionary who brought Christianity to Greenland in the 18th century. For Olsen, this statue represents the erasure of Inuit culture and the imposition of foreign values. “Why should we celebrate a colonizer?” she asked passionately, calling for Greenlanders to embrace their own heritage instead.

The history of Danish control is not without its abuses. Olsen shared stories of forced IUD insertions in young Inuit girls during the 1960s and 1970s, a practice now under investigation. She also reflected on the “legally fatherless” policy, which allowed Danish men to avoid responsibility for children they fathered with Greenlandic women. These injustices have left deep scars, and for many, the idea of swapping Danish control for American influence is not appealing.

A Strategic Prize in the Modern World

Greenland’s strategic significance cannot be overstated. The island’s 27,000 miles of coastline, rich reserves of rare earth minerals, and potential oil and gas deposits make it a highly sought-after territory. Climate change is opening new shipping routes through Greenland’s waters, connecting the US and Europe. The US already has a military base in the far northwest of the island, which the Space Force claims provides “Space Superiority.” For figures like Tom Dans, Greenland’s natural resources and location make it a logical fit for closer ties with the US.

Dans, who has no official role in the Trump administration but serves on the US Arctic Research Commission, envisions a future where Greenland and the US strengthen their partnership. He pointed to the US’s historic role in protecting Greenland during World War II, when American forces stepped in after the Nazi invasion of Denmark. However, Dans stopped short of advocating for Greenland to become the 51st state, a notion that even some Greenlanders find unappealing.

The Politics of Independence and Alliance

Not all Greenlanders agree on the island’s future. While Qupanuk Olsen is a vocal advocate for independence, others believe Greenland is not yet ready to stand on its own. Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen, leader of the Atassut party, which favors remaining within the Danish kingdom, acknowledged the historical wrongs committed against the Inuit people but stressed the importance of moving forward. He highlighted the welfare benefits provided by Denmark, such as universal healthcare and free education, which many Greenlanders value deeply.

Jerimiassen expressed skepticism about joining the US, citing concerns about losing access to these social services. His views resonate with many Greenlanders who are wary of trading one form of dependency for another. Meanwhile, Jørgen Boassen, a Greenlander often called “Trump’s son” for his ardent support of the former president, insists he does not want Greenland to become a US state. Instead, he advocates for the US to be Greenland’s “best and closest ally” in matters of defense, trade, and resource extraction.

The Emotional Landscape of a Nation in Flux

As Greenland prepares for upcoming elections, the debate over its future is intensifying. Some Greenlanders are eager to break free from Denmark’s influence and forge an independent path, while others remain content with the current arrangement. The recent fast-tracked law banning foreign political funding reflects a growing desire to protect Greenland’s sovereignty from external interference.

Lisbeth Højdal, a Danish consultant I met at the airport, struck a cautious note. She worried that Greenland could become a “circus” in the hands of global powers, invoking a Turkish proverb about the circus-like chaos that ensues when a clown enters a castle. For Højdal, Greenland’s future must be decided by Greenlanders themselves, free from the influence of external actors.

As I left Greenland, the resilient spirit of its people and the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes stayed with me. But so did the tension between pride in their Inuit heritage and the pull of global geopolitics. Greenland is at a crossroads, and the path it chooses will have far-reaching implications—not just for the island’s 57,000 inhabitants, but for the world.