(Dr. Jeff Gunter) – Everyone’s talking about Greenland like it’s some wild idea cooked up overnight. It’s not.
America has tried to buy Greenland three times – in 1867, 1946, and recently. And there’s a reason we keep coming back to it.
It’s not about ego. It’s about security, resources, and making sure China and Russia don’t get there first.
The Geography Tells the Story
Greenland sits between North America and Europe. It’s massive — three times the size of Texas. And it controls access to the Arctic, which is opening up faster than most people realize.
New shipping routes are cutting thousands of miles off trips between Asia and Europe. That means money, trade, and military positioning.
Whoever controls Greenland controls those routes.
Right now, we have a base there – Thule Air Base. It’s critical for tracking missiles and monitoring threats from Russia.
But it’s leased from Denmark. That’s fine while Denmark’s friendly. But alliances shift. History proves that. What happens in 50 years if politics change?
Ownership means permanent control. No negotiations. No asking permission.
China’s Already Knocking on the Door
Here’s what should worry every American: China has been trying to buy into Greenland for years. They’ve offered to build airports. They’ve gone after mining rights.
Denmark blocked some of it, but Greenland’s local government has been interested.
Why? Because Greenland has rare earth minerals – the stuff you need for phones, computers, military equipment, and batteries.
Right now, China controls 80% of the world’s rare earth processing. That’s a massive vulnerability.
If we control Greenland, we control our own supply chain. We stop depending on China for materials that keep our military running.
Nevada knows this problem well.
Our state has lithium deposits critical for battery production, but we’re still fighting regulatory red tape while China mines freely around the world.
Greenland could be Nevada’s lesson learned – get the resources before our competitors do.
Russia’s Making Moves Too
Russia isn’t sitting still either.
They’ve reopened old Soviet bases in the Arctic. They’ve deployed advanced missile systems. They’re building up their Northern Fleet.
Greenland gives us the position to watch them and respond if needed. Without it, we’re playing defense from thousands of miles away.
What About the People Who Live There?
Greenland has about 57,000 people. They’ve been moving toward independence from Denmark for years.
If they go independent as a tiny nation, they’ll need a major partner. That could be us – or it could be China.
If Greenlanders voted to join America (like Alaska and Hawaii did), they’d get U.S. citizenship, infrastructure investment, and economic opportunity. We’d get strategic security.
That’s a deal both sides could win.
Critics Say We’re Being Aggressive
Some people think this is imperialism or overreach. But buying territory through negotiation isn’t conquest. It’s commerce.
We bought Louisiana. We bought Alaska for $7.2 million. People mocked that too. Now it’s priceless.
Denmark’s our ally, and we should negotiate respectfully. But if Greenland’s people want a better deal and we can come to terms, there’s nothing wrong with that.
A Deal That Works for Everyone
This isn’t about expansion for expansion’s sake. It’s about looking ahead.
In 20 years, the Arctic will be as important as the Middle East has been for oil. In 50 years, whoever controls Arctic shipping and resources will shape global power.
We can secure that now, or we can watch China and Russia fill the gap.
Greenland isn’t crazy. It’s forward thinking. And if we’re serious about competing with China and countering Russia, we need to think beyond the next election cycle.
Alaska seemed like a frozen wasteland in 1867. Today, it’s invaluable. Greenland’s the same opportunity – if we’re smart enough to take it.
Dr. Gunter is a former U.S. Ambassador to Iceland. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
