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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SummerSlam returned in 2025 with a bold shift in format. For the first time in its long history, WWE's summer classic spanned two nights. Night One delivered a mix of storytelling, athleticism, and surprises, as rising stars met seasoned veterans in a card that set the tone for the weekend.

Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Roman Reigns, who had been off television since his WrestleMania defeat earlier in the year, made a dramatic return to tag with his cousin Jey Uso. The Bloodline's future has been uncertain since internal splits began in 2023, and this match marked the first time Reigns and Uso had teamed up since their highly publicised feud.

Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, two of WWE's strongest powerhouse competitors, controlled the early stages. Their size and raw aggression made them difficult to counter, but the Reigns-Uso pairing brought familiarity and resilience.

The turning point came when Breakker set up for a spear on Jey. Reigns intervened, taking the brunt of the move to protect his cousin. The moment felt symbolic, possibly hinting at a more honourable Reigns going forward. Jey capitalised with a Superkick and a splash for the win.

Winners: Roman Reigns & Jey Uso

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez

Women’s Tag Team Championship

This match marked the surprise formation of a new alliance between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Flair had been chasing a record-breaking tag title run, while Bliss had returned from maternity leave earlier in the year with a more aggressive in-ring persona.

Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez entered as champions, combining strength and speed. They looked well-matched on paper, but cracks began to show mid-match when communication broke down between the two.

Flair hit a Natural Selection on Perez after Bliss took Rodriguez out with a DDT on the floor. With Perez isolated, Bliss landed Sister Abigail and covered her for the pin.

Winners and New Champions: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre vs Randy Orton & Jelly Roll

In one of the night's more unpredictable attractions, internet star Logan Paul teamed up with Drew McIntyre to face the veteran Randy Orton and country singer Jelly Roll, making his in-ring debut.

While many fans assumed Jelly Roll would serve as comic relief, the musician held his own surprisingly well, even landing a solid elbow drop and a spinebuster with Orton’s guidance. However, inexperience caught up with him.

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Winners: Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre

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Sami Zayn has been teetering on the edge of a character shift for months. His promos have hinted at internal conflict, and this match against Kross, a brutal and psychologically intense performer, felt like a crossroads moment.

Kross dominated the first half of the bout, grinding Zayn down with methodical holds and repeated suplexes. Scarlett’s presence at ringside added an uneasy tension, but Zayn began to rally with a series of dives and a Blue Thunder Bomb.

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Winner and Still Champion: Tiffany Stratton

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The match was slow-building but intense. Gunther’s powerful chops and suplexes wore Punk down, while Punk countered with submission attempts and gritty determination.

Punk managed to roll out of a powerbomb attempt and locked in the Anaconda Vise. Gunther nearly reached the ropes but eventually tapped, ending his title reign.

Just as Punk began to celebrate, Seth Rollins’ music hit. Limping down the ramp on crutches, Rollins revealed he was faking the injury, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, and hit a Stomp on Punk as the referee rang the bell.

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Winner: CM PunkNew Champion (via Cash-In): Seth Rollins

Location: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Attendance: Over 70,000

Host: Cardi B

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