Greenland: Strategic Hub and US Geopolitical Interest

Why in the news?

US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated interest in purchasing Greenland, emphasizing its strategic military importance, rare earth resources, and growing relevance in Arctic geopolitics.

"Greenland: Strategic Hub and US Geopolitical Interest"

US Strategic Interest in Greenland:

Military Significance:

  • Home to the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), which supports US missile monitoring and defense systems.
  • Plays a critical role in countering threats from Russia, China, and North Korea.

Rich Resources:

  • Contains vast reserves of rare earth minerals vital for electronics, electric vehicles, and military equipment.

Arctic Opportunities:

  • Climate change is opening new waterways, enhancing the region’s strategic and economic value.
  • The Arctic’s significance is rising as global powers like Russia and China seek greater influence.

US Proposal to Purchase Greenland

  • US President-elect Donald Trump recently expressed interest in purchasing Greenland due to its geopolitical and economic value.
  • Acquiring Greenland would bolster the US Arctic presence, provide access to critical resources, and mitigate geopolitical competition in the region.

key facts about Greenland:

  • Greenland is the world’s largest non-continental island, situated between North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • It is an autonomous province of Denmark with a polar climate; temperatures range from -50°C in winter to 10–15°C in summer.
  • Nuuk is its capital, and its highest point is Gunnbjorn’s Fjeld.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times