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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January Trends: New Year, New Habits

Paul Francis
Jan 16, 2025
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January is a month of fresh starts, big plans, and lofty ambitions. After the indulgence of December’s festive season, people around the world embrace January as a time for reinvention, setting new goals, and trying out popular trends. Whether it’s about health, finances, personal growth, or community involvement, January is brimming with activities to shake off the winter blues and kickstart the year.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular trends people dive into during the first month of the year.

1. Veganuary: Going Plant-Based for a Month

Veganuary encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle throughout January. The movement has gained traction in recent years, inviting participants to adopt a plant-based diet and avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

For some, it’s about ethical considerations for animals. For others, it’s an environmental decision or a chance to improve their health. With more vegan options in supermarkets and restaurants than ever, January has become a prime time to explore this plant-based trend.

Pro Tip: If you’re curious but not ready to go all-in, try "Meatless Mondays" or explore plant-based versions of your favourite dishes.

2. Dry January: A Break from Booze

After the revelry of the holiday season, Dry January offers a chance to take a break from alcohol. The challenge isn’t just about abstaining but also about reflecting on drinking habits and exploring sobriety’s physical and mental benefits.

Many participants report improved sleep, better focus, and weight loss after a month without alcohol. It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore the growing world of non-alcoholic drinks, from mocktails to alcohol-free wines.

Fun Fact: Non-alcoholic drink sales spike in January, with more brands innovating delicious alcohol-free options.

3. New Year’s Resolutions: The Classic Goal-Setting Ritual

No January trend list is complete without mentioning New Year’s resolutions. From getting fit to learning a new skill, millions of people commit to self-improvement at the start of the year.

Common resolutions include:

Joining a gym or starting a fitness program.
Eating healthier or starting a new diet.
Saving money or tackling debt.
Picking up hobbies like painting, cooking, or coding.

Reality Check: Studies suggest most resolutions fizzle out by February. Small, actionable goals tend to be more sustainable than sweeping changes.

4. The 10,000 Steps Challenge

Fitness is a top priority in January, and walking challenges like hitting 10,000 steps a day have become wildly popular. Whether it’s for weight loss, cardiovascular health, or just clearing the mind, walking is an accessible activity that many embrace during the colder months.

Tip for Beginners: If 10,000 steps feels overwhelming, start small—5,000 steps daily can still make a significant difference.

5. Financial Clean-Up: No-Spend January

After December’s holiday splurges, many people use January to reign in their spending. A “No-Spend Challenge” is a growing trend where participants commit to only essential purchases for the month.

This minimalist approach helps reset financial habits, build savings, and encourage mindful consumption. Apps and planners are often used to track progress and identify areas to cut back.

Money-Saving Tip: Meal prepping and cutting back on takeaway coffee are common starting points for budget-conscious Januarys.

6. Mindfulness and Mental Health Focus

For some, January isn’t about physical challenges but mental clarity. Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and gratitude exercises see a surge in popularity as people seek to start the year with a calmer mind.

Apps like Headspace and Calm see their highest downloads in January as users set intentions to prioritize mental health.

7. Decluttering: The “New Year, New Space” Movement

There’s something about starting the year with a clean slate—literally. Decluttering trends inspired by the likes of Marie Kondo or the “Swedish Death Cleaning” method encourage people to purge their homes of unnecessary belongings.

Many take this as an opportunity to donate unused items to charity, making the process as rewarding as it is practical.

8. Joining Community Challenges

January also sees people getting involved in community-focused activities. From volunteering to neighborhood fitness groups, the month is about connecting with others while working on personal goals.

Popular initiatives include charity runs, book clubs, and skill-sharing events. Social media hashtags like #NewYearNewMe help connect like-minded individuals worldwide.

9. Self-Education and Skill Development

Many people take advantage of the quieter January period to pick up a new skill. Online courses, language apps, and educational platforms experience a boom as people commit to expanding their knowledge.

Learning goals might include mastering a new instrument, taking up baking, or even delving into professional certification.

10. The Winter Wellness Movement

Finally, winter wellness trends like cold water therapy, infrared saunas, and vitamin D supplementation became popular in January. These practices aim to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and keep energy levels high during the darker months.

Did You Know? Cold showers have been linked to increased circulation, improved mood, and even better immune response.

Final Thoughts: Embracing January Trends

January is a time of transformation, whether you’re adopting a new habit, exploring a challenge, or simply setting intentions for the year ahead. While not every trend will stick, the month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what matters most and take steps—big or small—toward a better year.

The key to navigating January trends is to pick ones that resonate with your values and goals. Whether you’re giving up meat, ditching alcohol, or simply clearing out a junk drawer, every little effort counts toward making the new year brighter.

Here’s to a January full of meaningful starts!