US President Donald Trump has once again openly declared his desire to bring the island of Greenland under United States control, triggering fresh diplomatic tensions in the Arctic region. According to the White House leader, Washington must obtain the island “one way or another,” otherwise this strategic point could fall into the hands of Russia or China.
Rift Inside NATO and Denmark’s Firm Response
This threat, voiced from the very start of Trump’s 2025 presidential term, angered the Danish government. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that such an attempt would not only violate international law, but could in practice fracture the NATO alliance. After all, both Denmark and Greenland are considered equal members of the military bloc.
Why Greenland in Particular?
- A logical question arises: Is it not the island’s glaciers, but what riches beneath its surface that attract the United States?
- A Treasure Trove of the Modern Economy: Beyond traditional metals such as copper, gold, iron ore, and zinc, the island holds reserves of graphite, nickel, and rare earth elements that are crucial for high-tech industries.
- Electric Vehicles and Defense: Graphite and nickel are essential for lithium-ion batteries, while rare earth elements are as vital as air and water for producing wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced military systems.
- Europe’s Hope: Most of Greenland’s resources have been classified by the European Union as “critical raw materials.” These reserves could end the West’s dependence on Chinese supplies.
Barriers: Environment and Politics
However, extracting Greenland’s wealth is easier said than done. Today, the island’s mining sector is still at an early stage.
- Strict Bans: The local government’s ban on uranium mining has halted many projects, because uranium often occurs in the same layer as other valuable metals.
- A Positive Shift: Recently, with EU support, the Amitsoq graphite project was approved. If implemented, it could help Europe achieve independence in the battery industry.
A Geopolitical Chessboard
Greenland’s position between North America and Europe turns it into a strategic “golden bridge.” As the global economy fragments, control over resources has become not just a commercial issue, but a matter of national security. Behind Trump’s plan to “take Greenland” lies the desire to monopolize these supply chains.
Do you think that if the United States tried to seize Greenland by force, it could trigger World War III?
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