Why Greenland Matters to the United States, and Why Some People Are Sceptical

8 January 2026

Paul Francis

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Greenland has become an increasingly prominent part of global geopolitical discussion, particularly in relation to the United States. On the surface, the interest can appear puzzling. Greenland has a small population, harsh conditions, and limited infrastructure. Yet for Washington, it represents one of the most strategically significant territories in the world.

Snow-covered mountains and rocky peaks rise above a deep blue sea, under a clear sky, creating a serene and majestic landscape.

At the same time, recent events elsewhere have led many observers to question whether security alone explains American interest in regions rich in natural resources. Greenland now sits at the intersection of strategic necessity and public scepticism.

Greenland’s strategic importance to US security

The primary and most consistently stated reason for US interest in Greenland is security.

Greenland occupies a crucial geographic position between North America and Europe. It sits along the shortest route for ballistic missiles travelling between Russia and the United States. This makes it essential for early warning systems and missile defence.

The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland since the Second World War. Today, Pituffik Space Base plays a key role in monitoring missile launches, tracking satellites, and supporting NATO defence architecture. These systems are designed to protect not only the United States but also its allies.

As Arctic ice continues to melt, the region is becoming more accessible to military and commercial activity. Russia has expanded its Arctic bases, and China has declared itself a near-Arctic state. From Washington’s perspective, maintaining influence in Greenland helps prevent rivals from gaining a foothold in a region that directly affects North Atlantic security.

The Arctic, climate change, and future competition

Climate change has transformed Greenland’s relevance. What was once largely inaccessible is now opening up.

New shipping routes could shorten trade paths between Asia, Europe, and North America. Scientific research, undersea cables, and surveillance infrastructure are all becoming more viable. Greenland’s location places it at the centre of these emerging routes.

For the United States, this makes Greenland less of a remote territory and more of a forward position in an increasingly contested region.

Red Mobil barrel secured with ropes on wood structure, against a cloudy sky. Blue pipes and rusty metal bar in background.

Oil and resource speculation as a secondary factor

While security dominates official policy discussions, resource speculation is often raised as an additional reason for interest in Greenland.

Greenland is believed to hold potential offshore oil and gas reserves, as well as deposits of rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, and other critical minerals. These materials are essential for electronics, renewable energy systems, and defence technologies.

It is important to note that Greenland currently restricts new oil and gas exploration licences, largely due to environmental concerns. Large-scale extraction remains difficult, expensive, and politically sensitive.

For the United States, oil is not a strategic necessity in Greenland. The country is already one of the world’s largest oil producers. However, critical minerals are a longer-term concern. The US remains heavily dependent on foreign supply chains, particularly from China, for many of these materials.

This makes Greenland attractive as a potential future partner rather than an immediate resource solution.

Why scepticism exists

Despite official explanations, scepticism persists, and not without reason.

In recent years, the United States has taken highly visible actions elsewhere that involved control over oil production and transport. These actions have reinforced a long-standing public perception that resource interests sometimes sit beneath security justifications.

The Iraq War remains a powerful reference point. Although the official rationale focused on weapons and security threats, the protection and control of oil fields became a defining feature of the conflict in the public imagination. That perception continues to shape how many people interpret US foreign policy today.

More recently, actions involving sanctions, tanker seizures, and control of oil revenues in other regions have revived these concerns. When military or economic pressure coincides with resource-rich territories, scepticism follows.

Against this backdrop, even legitimate security interests can be viewed through a lens of historical mistrust.

Greenland is not Iraq, but history shapes perception

Greenland differs significantly from past conflict zones. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO ally. The United States does not dispute Danish sovereignty and has repeatedly stated that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people.

US engagement in Greenland has focused on diplomacy, scientific cooperation, and defence partnerships rather than intervention. There has been no military conflict, no occupation, and no attempt to forcibly extract resources.

However, history matters. Public opinion is shaped not only by current actions but by patterns over time. When people see strategic interest combined with resource potential, they naturally draw comparisons.

Denmark’s role as a stabilising factor

Denmark plays a crucial role in shaping how Greenland is engaged internationally. As the sovereign state responsible for defence and foreign policy, Denmark ensures that US involvement occurs within established legal and diplomatic frameworks.

This partnership reduces the likelihood of unilateral action and helps keep Greenland’s development aligned with environmental standards and local governance.

The broader reality

Greenland’s importance to the United States is real, and it is primarily rooted in geography and defence. Resource speculation exists, but it is not the driving force behind current policy.

At the same time, scepticism is understandable. History has taught many people to question official narratives when strategic interests and natural resources overlap.

The truth lies in the tension between these two realities. Greenland matters because of where it is, what it enables, and what it may one day provide. How it is treated will determine whether it becomes a model of cooperation or another chapter in a long story of mistrust.

Greenland is not a prize to be taken, but a partner to be engaged. Whether that distinction holds in the long term will depend not just on policy statements, but on actions.

In a world shaped by climate change, great power competition, and historical memory, even legitimate interests must contend with the weight of the past.

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Amazon’s Warhammer 40,000 Deal: A New Dawn for the Grimdark Universe

Paul Francis
Dec 11, 2024
3 min read

For those of us who grew up in the world of Warhammer 40,000, this is a surreal moment. I started playing Warhammer 40K when I was around 12 years old, falling in love with the universe’s bleak yet captivating lore and strategic gameplay. Now, 30 years later, I find myself reflecting on how far the franchise has come—and the recent Amazon deal is nothing short of monumental.

A clip from Warhammer 40k Secret Level Episode

The Amazon-Games Workshop Collaboration: A Dream Come True

After years of speculation and discussions, Amazon has officially partnered with Games Workshop to bring the Warhammer 40K universe to life in live-action TV series and movies. With Henry Cavill—a self-proclaimed 40K superfan—on board as both an executive producer and actor, the project is in the hands of someone who genuinely loves the lore. Cavill’s involvement is particularly exciting for long-time fans, as it ensures the franchise will be treated with the respect and authenticity it deserves.

Discussions about adapting Warhammer 40K for the screen have been floating around for years, but this deal finally cements those hopes. While details about specific storylines remain under wraps, Cavill has hinted at a painstakingly detailed approach to ensure the adaptation resonates with both veteran players and newcomers. The involvement of Games Workshop in the creative process suggests that the series will stay true to the grimdark aesthetic that defines the 41st Millennium.

Secret Level: A First Taste of Warhammer 40K on Screen

While fans eagerly await the live-action adaptations, Amazon has already teased Warhammer 40K content in its new animated anthology series, Secret Level. This series features short films based on iconic video game franchises, and Warhammer 40K takes the spotlight in one episode inspired by the game Space Marine 2.

The 40K episode, created by Blur Studio (known for Love, Death + Robots), follows Lieutenant Titus and a squad of Ultramarines. Set in the grim darkness of the far future, the story promises intense action and stunning visuals. For fans like me, seeing the Ultramarines animated in this style is a thrilling glimpse into what the larger Amazon collaboration could deliver.

Just as Amazon’s Secret Level introduces Warhammer 40,000 to a broader audience, fans of the franchise have already experienced high-quality storytelling through Astartes, a stunning fan-made web series that took the community by storm on YouTube. Created by a single animator, this series focuses on the Space Marines, showcasing their precision, power, and terrifying efficiency in battle. The visuals and atmosphere captured the grimdark essence of 40K so well that Games Workshop brought the creator on board to continue the project officially. Now, Astartes resides on Games Workshop’s Warhammer+ platform, standing as a testament to what passionate fans can achieve and serving as a brilliant introduction for newcomers to the power and allure of the Space Marines.

What Is Warhammer 40K?

If you’re unfamiliar with Warhammer 40,000, here’s a quick crash course:

The Setting: Warhammer 40K is a science-fiction universe set 38,000 years into the future. The galaxy is at perpetual war, with humanity clinging to survival under the oppressive rule of the Imperium of Man.
The Imperium of Man: At the heart of the story is the God-Emperor, a near-dead figure worshipped by billions. The Imperium is a dystopian regime where fanaticism, bureaucracy, and warfare dominate every aspect of life.
The Factions: From the superhuman Space Marines to the demonic forces of Chaos, and from the ancient Eldar to the barbaric Orks, the universe is populated by factions that are as diverse as they are deadly.
The Themes: The tagline, “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war,” perfectly captures the franchise’s tone. 40K explores themes of survival, fanaticism, and the cyclical nature of conflict.
The Game: At its core, Warhammer 40K is a tabletop wargame where players build, paint, and battle with miniature armies. Over the years, it has expanded into novels, video games, and now, mainstream media.

Why This Matters

For fans like me, Warhammer 40K isn’t just a game; it’s a way to immerse ourselves in a universe that’s equal parts fascinating and terrifying. The Amazon deal feels like a validation of everything we’ve loved about this hobby. More importantly, it has the potential to introduce the franchise to a wider audience, ensuring its legacy for decades to come.

With Cavill’s passion for 40K and Amazon’s resources, this collaboration could be the beginning of a new era for the grimdark universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer curious about what makes Warhammer 40K so captivating, the future looks incredibly bright—and just a little dark, as it should.