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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Karrion Kross Released from WWE: What Happened and What Comes Next

Paul Francis
Aug 14, 2025
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Karrion Kross, known to wrestling fans around the world for his intense in-ring style and commanding presence, has once again parted ways with WWE. The news broke earlier this week, sparking a wave of reaction from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.

From the Indies to the Big Stage

Karrion Kross with long hair in a studded leather jacket stands confidently. The jacket features chains and graffiti art. Background is dimly lit. — Photo by Diego Serrano

Before signing with WWE, Kross built a reputation on the independent circuit under the name Killer Kross. His career began in the mid-2010s with appearances in promotions like Global Force Wrestling, Lucha Underground, and AAA in Mexico. With his imposing stature, MMA-influenced offence, and calculated promos, Kross quickly became a standout. His run in Impact Wrestling, alongside real-life partner Scarlett Bordeaux, cemented him as one of the hottest free agents in the business.

Arrival in WWE

Kross joined WWE’s NXT brand in early 2020, debuting with cinematic vignettes and instantly making an impact. Accompanied by Scarlett, his entrance became one of the most talked-about in the company. Within months, he captured the NXT Championship, defeating Keith Lee in dominant fashion.

However, an injury forced him to relinquish the title shortly after. Upon his return, he reclaimed the championship before eventually dropping it to Samoa Joe in 2021.

Why No "Killer Kross"?

When Kross signed with WWE, the company opted to change his name to “Karrion Kross.” The reasoning was twofold:

WWE prefers to trademark its talent’s ring names for exclusive branding and merchandising purposes. “Killer Kross” was already established in the independents and not owned by WWE.
The company wanted to present Kross with a new, unique identity that fit their vision for his character. The “Karrion” spelling played into the darker, foreboding aesthetic WWE was crafting for him.

While some fans embraced the new name, others never warmed to it, feeling it lost some of the grit of his indie persona.

Main Roster Struggles

Kross’s move to WWE’s main roster in mid-2021 proved controversial. Stripped of his NXT presentation and Scarlett’s accompaniment, he debuted wearing a gladiator-style mask and gear that fans felt clashed with his established image.

Creative changes, questionable booking decisions, and a lack of momentum eventually led to his first WWE release in November 2021.

Karrion Kross's Second Run and Sudden Exit

In 2022, under the leadership of Triple H, Kross returned to WWE with Scarlett by his side. Hopes were high for a rejuvenated push, and while he was featured in feuds with Drew McIntyre and Rey Mysterio, his on-screen appearances became sporadic in 2023 and 2024.

Earlier this week, WWE announced his release once again. The move has raised eyebrows among fans, with some speculating it could be a “work” designed to set up a storyline surprise down the line.

Fan Response

Reactions have been split. Many fans have voiced frustration, calling it a waste of talent and a missed opportunity for WWE to create a top-tier villain. Others argue that Kross’s WWE run never fully clicked with audiences outside of NXT.

One thing is clear: his release has reignited debate about WWE’s creative direction and its handling of unique talent.

Kross has already posted a video message to fans on his official YouTube channel, addressing the release and teasing what might come next.

What’s Next for Karrion Kross?

If his past career moves are any indication, Kross will not be short on opportunities. A return to the independent circuit, or even a move to AEW, Impact Wrestling, or New Japan Pro Wrestling, would allow him to reconnect with fans who appreciated his original “Killer Kross” persona.

Should this turn out to be a WWE storyline twist, it could lead to one of the more memorable comebacks in recent years. Either way, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see where he lands next.