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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In the rich tapestry of international Rugby, few tournaments boast a history as storied and captivating as the Six Nations Championship. From its humble origins in the late 19th century to the modern-day spectacle watched by millions around the globe, the Six Nations has become synonymous with passion, pride, and fierce competition among Europe's rugby elite.

Origins: The Birth of a Tradition

The roots of the Six Nations can be traced back to 1883 when the Home Nations Championship was first played between England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. England claimed the inaugural titles, but disputes over refereeing and professionalism led to the formation of the International Rugby Board (IRB) in 1886. England's exclusion from subsequent tournaments and the sporadic disruptions due to World Wars underscored the tumultuous early years of the championship.

Evolution: Expansion and Inclusion

Despite the challenges, the championship persevered and evolved over time. France officially joined the tournament in 1910, expanding the competition to five nations and ushering in a new era of international rugby. Format changes, suspensions, and the eventual inclusion of Italy in 2000 transformed the tournament into the modern-day Six Nations Championship, solidifying its status as one of the premier rugby competitions in the world.

Six Nation Rivalries: The Heartbeat of the Championship

At the core of the Six Nations lies its defining rivalries, each steeped in tradition and lore, adding layers of intensity to every matchday. From historic feuds to Celtic clashes, these rivalries epitomise the spirit of competition that defines the championship.

England vs. France: Dating back over a century, the rivalry between England and France is steeped in history and cultural significance. Matches between these two nations are marked by fierce competitiveness and breathtaking displays of skill, making them must-watch fixtures in the Six Nations calendar.

Scotland vs. England: The Calcutta Cup, contested between Scotland and England, is the oldest fixture in international rugby, symbolising pride and tradition. Matches between these two teams are known for their intensity and unpredictability, adding to the allure of the championship.

Ireland vs. Wales: Rooted in shared Celtic heritage, the rivalry between Ireland and Wales is a showcase of skill, passion, and pride. The Millennium Trophy adds an extra layer of significance to their encounters, making each match a crucial chapter in the Six Nations narrative.

Wales vs. England: Arguably the most intense rivalry in the championship, clashes between Wales and England are defined by national pride and sporting excellence. The competition for the Triple Crown adds extra spice to this perennial showdown, creating iconic moments that resonate with fans worldwide.

Ireland vs. England: The battle for the Centenary Quaich trophy adds an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry between Ireland and England. Witnessing some of the most thrilling moments in tournament history, clashes between these two nations are eagerly anticipated by fans.

Italy vs. Everyone: As the underdog of the championship, Italy brings determination and resilience to every match. While their rivalry with each nation may not carry the same historical weight, the Azzurri's quest for recognition adds an intriguing subplot to the tournament.

From its humble beginnings to its status as one of the premier rugby competitions in the world, the Six Nations Championship is a celebration of rugby excellence, tradition, and rivalry. As fans eagerly await each tournament, they know they are witnessing the pinnacle of European rugby, where legends are made, and rivalries reign supreme.