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

8 January 2026

Paul Francis

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

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.

Current Most Read

Why Netflix Is Circling Warner Bros, and How a Century-Old Studio Reached This Point

What Christmas 2025 Revealed About the Future of Consoles

Exploring the Depths of Nerd Culture: A Comprehensive Analysis

Paul Francis
Apr 2, 2024
4 min read

Examination of Nerd Culture's Bright and Dark Sides

A Darth Vader Cosplay on a convention. — Photo by André Volkmann on Unsplash

Nerd culture, once maligned and dismissed, has blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of shared interests, passions, and communities. Spanning realms of fantasy, science fiction, gaming, and beyond, it offers sanctuary to those who find solace in the embrace of imagination and intellect. But within this realm of boundless creativity lie both the luminous peaks of positivity and the shadowy depths of negativity. Join us on a journey through the annals of nerd culture as we navigate its complexities, from its humble origins to its current prominence on the global stage.

The Bright Side: Embracing the Positivity of Nerd Culture

Nurturing Community and Camaraderie

At the heart of nerd culture lies a spirit of camaraderie and inclusion, where enthusiasts from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared passions. Whether gathered around a gaming table, assembling at a comic convention, or connecting online through forums and social media, nerds forge bonds that transcend barriers of geography, culture, and language. In these sacred spaces, friendships are forged, ideas are exchanged, and lifelong connections are formed.

Fostering Creativity and Expression

Nerd culture is a fertile breeding ground for creativity and self-expression, providing enthusiasts with a canvas upon which to unleash their imagination. From fan art and fan fiction to cosplay and fan films, nerds channel their passion into a myriad of artistic endeavours that enrich and enliven the cultural landscape. Through these acts of creation, they pay homage to the works that inspire them while adding their unique twist to the tapestry of fandom.

Happy African female cybersports gamer getting ready to participate in esports tournament while putting on wired headphones in gaming club

Promoting Diversity and Representation

In recent years, nerd culture has made significant strides towards embracing diversity and championing representation within its ranks. Recognizing the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, enthusiasts have mobilized to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all. By celebrating a broad spectrum of identities and experiences, nerd culture enriches itself and ensures that everyone has a seat at the table.

Empowering Philanthropy and Social Impact

Beyond the realm of fiction and fantasy, nerd culture has the power to effect real-world change and make a positive impact on society. Through charitable endeavours, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns, enthusiasts harness their collective strength to support causes close to their hearts. From fundraising streams and charity events to volunteering efforts and advocacy work, nerds prove that their passion extends far beyond the confines of their favourite fandoms.

The Dark Side: Confronting the Negativity of Nerd Culture

Gatekeeping and Exclusivity

A person wearing glasses not allowing access

However, for all its virtues, nerd culture is not without its flaws. Perhaps most insidious among these is the phenomenon of gatekeeping, wherein self-appointed guardians seek to police the boundaries of fandom and exclude those who do not meet their arbitrary criteria for authenticity. Whether through esoteric knowledge tests, purity tests, or outright harassment, gatekeepers erect barriers that deter newcomers and perpetuate toxic cycles of exclusion and elitism.

Misogyny and Sexism

Within certain corners of nerd culture, misogyny and sexism continue to rear their ugly heads, poisoning the well of inclusivity and driving away those who dare to challenge the status quo. Women and non-binary individuals are often subjected to harassment, objectification, and discrimination, both online and offline, simply for daring to assert their presence in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Until these toxic attitudes are eradicated, nerd culture will continue to fall short of its potential as a bastion of equality and respect.

Toxic Fan Behavior and Fandom Wars

In the age of social media, fandoms have become battlegrounds where toxic behaviour runs rampant and petty squabbles escalate into full-blown wars. From harassment campaigns and doxxing to toxic fan entitlement and harassment, the darker side of fandom rears its ugly head, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. In the pursuit of validation and dominance, fans lose sight of the joy and camaraderie that once defined their shared interests, transforming their passions into weapons of division and destruction.

Escapism and Avoidance

While escapism can provide a much-needed respite from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, it can also serve as a double-edged sword, enabling individuals to retreat into worlds of fantasy rather than confront the challenges that lie before them. In its most extreme form, escapism becomes a form of avoidance, leading enthusiasts to neglect their responsibilities and relationships in favour of indulging their fantasies. Until nerds learn to strike a balance between escapism and engagement with the real world, they risk losing themselves in the depths of their imagination.

Role-Playing's Role in Nerd Culture: A Tale of Dungeons & Dragons

AI characters of people that are playing D&D

Amidst the tumult of the 20th century, tabletop role-playing games emerged as a beacon of creativity and collaboration, ushering in a new era of nerd culture. Dungeons & Dragons, the undisputed titan of the RPG genre, catalyzed the burgeoning movement, captivating the imaginations of gamers worldwide. Conceived by the visionary duo of Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, D&D revolutionized the gaming landscape, offering players a unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and camaraderie.

Navigating the Complexities of Nerd Culture

Nerd culture is a multifaceted tapestry woven from the threads of imagination, creativity, and camaraderie. From its luminous peaks to its shadowy depths, it encompasses a spectrum of experiences and emotions that defy easy categorization. As we navigate the complexities of this ever-evolving landscape, let us strive to uphold the values of inclusivity, respect, and empathy that lie at the heart of nerd culture. Only by embracing the full spectrum of our shared passions can we truly unlock the transformative power of nerdom and harness it for the betterment of ourselves and society.