Greenland, an icy expanse with a population of only 57,000, finds itself at a pivotal juncture in its history. As a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland has nurtured aspirations for independence ever since it gained the right to claim sovereignty through a vote in 2009. Recent developments, including former U.S. President Donald Trump's 2019 proposition to purchase the island, have reignited discussions about Greenland's political future and its cultural identity.
The Greenlandic Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has made it clear that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," echoing a sentiment of autonomy and national pride that resonates deeply among the populace. This assertion comes in the wake of Trump's controversial suggestion that acquiring Greenland would be "essentially a real estate deal." Despite these overtures, the Greenlandic government has firmly maintained that Greenland is not for sale and never will be, a stance supported by international allies. David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, unequivocally stated that a U.S. seizure of Greenland is "not going to happen," while both Germany and France have issued warnings against any such annexation.
Greenland's journey towards autonomy has historical roots. Once a Danish colony until 1953, the island holds a unique position geopolitically. During World War II, as Denmark fell under Nazi occupation, the United States occupied Greenland, establishing a military presence that persists today with a base in the northwest. This historical tie with the U.S. has left an indelible mark on the Greenlandic psyche. Paneeraq, a 22-year-old from Sisimiut, remarked on this dichotomy:
“The hatred for Denmark has never been higher in some parts of the population, and the gratitude for the US during the second world war and the cold war in terms of military protection has never been higher as well.”
The debate over Greenland's future is not merely political but also deeply cultural. The island boasts its own government, the Inatsisartut, established in 1979, which oversees its internal affairs. However, cultural preservation remains a significant concern among the Inuit majority. Ivana from Nuuk voiced her apprehensions:
“I fear our culture and our traditions, which we value very highly, would be taken away from us.”
These sentiments reflect widespread fears that increased U.S. involvement could erode Greenland's rich cultural heritage. Frans H Petersen, a 21-year-old student from Maniitsoq, expressed a strong sense of ownership and resistance to external control:
“Our country is ours – it’s not for sale.”
The economic dimension also plays a crucial role in these discussions. With rich natural resources at stake, many Greenlanders emphasize the importance of maintaining control over their assets. Ole Hjorth, an air traffic controller from Nuuk, stressed this point:
“Greenland must have control over our natural resources.”
A 2019 poll indicated that 67.7% of Greenlandic adults desire independence from Denmark at some point in the future, underscoring a prevalent yearning for self-determination. Yet, opinions on how to achieve this goal vary greatly among Greenlanders. Some, like Malina, a teacher aged 39, advocate for an independent approach:
“We want to independently manage our relationship with the US, and trade with the world.”
Others believe nurturing existing ties with Denmark might be more beneficial in the long run. Hans-Peter Bay from Qaqortoq stated:
“I’d rather we work on our relationship with Denmark.”
Despite these differing perspectives, the overarching sentiment remains one of self-reliance and national pride. As Patrick Abrahamsen from Nuuk stated:
“I hope an agreement with Trump will be better than our current one with Denmark.”
This reflects an openness to reassessing existing agreements while still prioritizing Greenland's interests.