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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Viva La Dirt League: From Humble Beginnings to YouTube Comedy Icons

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Viva La Dirt League (VLDL) is a New Zealand-based YouTube group specializing in comedic skits that parody the quirks of gaming, fantasy, and everyday geek culture. The group was founded primarily by Alan Morrison and Rowan Bettjeman, who initially came together with a shared love of games and humour. They began creating small skits inspired by video game tropes and quickly gained attention for their unique style and relatability among gamers.

As VLDL’s popularity grew, they brought in other talent, including Ben Van Lier and later Adam King, who joined the team officially after the channel had started gaining traction. With the addition of regular actors like Ellie Harwood, Byron Coll, and others, VLDL’s skits became more dynamic, allowing for a variety of character types and fresh humor in each series.

Popular Viva La Dirt League Series

Viva La Dirt League has created several iconic series on their channel, each targeting a different aspect of gaming or geek culture:

Epic NPC Man – Perhaps their most famous series, Epic NPC Man is set in the fictional fantasy world of "Skycraft" (a spoof on The Elder Scrolls and other RPG games). It follows the daily lives of NPCs, highlighting the limitations of these programmed characters and the humorous scenarios they encounter. Alan Morrison plays Greg, a clueless NPC with an often baffled take on the player-controlled adventurers, while Rowan Bettjeman stars as Bodger, a hapless blacksmith with dubious skills.

Bored – A workplace comedy set in a tech and gaming store, Bored follows the strange encounters between employees and customers. This series humorously explores tech and retail stereotypes, with recurring characters bringing a mix of dry humour and over-the-top situations to life.

PUBG Logic – Based on the game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), this series reenacts the often absurd logic and chaotic gameplay players experience in battle royale games. From awkward weapon handling to the bizarre behaviours players adopt, PUBG Logic is a fan favourite for its playful exaggeration of the game’s mechanics.

D&D Logic – A newer series, D&D Logic takes on the tropes and oddities of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. The characters’ attempts to navigate the rules and unexpected scenarios bring humour to classic RPG moments, making it a hit with tabletop enthusiasts.

Recurring Characters

VLDL’s characters are as iconic as the series they belong to, and the main cast plays various roles across these series:

Greg (Alan Morrison) – The bewildered NPC from Epic NPC Man, often confused by the actions of player-controlled characters.

Bodger (Rowan Bettjeman) – The blacksmith NPC in Epic NPC Man, known for his lack of skill and often misguided confidence.

Adam (Adam King) – Appearing in multiple series, Adam plays a variety of roles that highlight the quirks of gaming and retail interactions.

Ben (Ben Van Lier) – Known for his intense, larger-than-life characters, Ben adds a bold energy to many skits, particularly in Epic NPC Man and PUBG Logic.

Ellie (Ellie Harwood) – Often playing strong female characters, Ellie’s roles add depth and variety to VLDL’s series, especially in D&D Logic and Epic NPC Man.

Byron (Byron Coll) – Known for his eccentric characters, Byron frequently appears in various series, adding unpredictable and humorous elements.

Production and Growth

Starting with basic setups and simple skits, Viva La Dirt League has grown tremendously, now boasting high production quality with elaborate sets, costumes, and effects that rival those of professional studios. Supported by a loyal fan base on Patreon, they’ve been able to fund increasingly ambitious projects, expanding their world-building and exploring new concepts.

Today, Viva La Dirt League has cemented itself as a staple in the online gaming community. Their blend of humour, creativity, and genuine love for gaming resonates with fans around the world, making them a go-to YouTube channel for relatable, high-quality gaming and fantasy comedy.