By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Denmark has increased its military presence in Greenland with Exercise Arctic Light, a large training mission, due to concerns about potential threats from Russia and China in the Arctic. While Danish officials publicly express these concerns, they also state no immediate military threat exists. However, this military buildup, including a $9 billion arms purchase from European manufacturers instead of the U.S., seems to be a response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland. The message to allies is Denmark is actively protecting its territory.
Read the original article here
Greenland’s defenses are being bolstered, and it seems the increased attention is not solely focused on external threats like Russia and China, but potentially aimed at navigating the complexities of the United States’ evolving political landscape. This situation brings to mind the saying that the true target of any defensive facility is whoever poses a threat to it.
It’s no secret that the relationship between Denmark, and by extension Greenland, and the United States experienced a significant shift during the Trump presidency. The fallout, or perhaps the wake-up call, appears to have spurred a renewed focus on defense, a move that some see as a direct response to the unpredictable actions and geopolitical maneuvers of the former president. There’s a sense that the desire to acquire Greenland by any means necessary, even the somewhat childish suggestion of a land purchase, was a key factor.
The discussions also bring up the deep cultural issues present in the US. The focus on Trump’s personality and actions tends to overshadow the systemic problems within the American political structure and the culture that allows certain voices to dominate. The conversation hints at worries about the long-term stability of the US political system, with concerns about future elections and the potential for conflict, whether domestic or international.
The need to enhance Greenland’s defenses underscores a strategic shift. It’s a recognition that relying solely on existing defense agreements and international collaborations might not be sufficient in a world where traditional alliances and power dynamics are in constant flux. The increased investment in defense, while seemingly a response to external threats, may also be seen as a measure to safeguard against internal political instability, particularly from the US.
The irony is that the very person who ruffled feathers may have inadvertently achieved what previous administrations couldn’t: encouraging other nations to take their defense more seriously. There’s a bittersweet acceptance that this shift necessitates a reallocation of resources, moving away from tackling global challenges such as climate change, and towards building up their own military capabilities. It’s a pragmatic decision, a case of prioritizing self-preservation in a world where alliances can shift, and dependencies can become vulnerabilities.
The population of Greenland is small, certainly; However, the presence of general Danish forces, international agreements and the US military base is important. The main thing is that the defense is not just dependent on local resources and is handled internationally.
While Russia and China are undoubtedly part of the strategic calculations, the underlying message is clear: Greenland, and by extension Denmark and allies, are adjusting to a world where the United States, at least in its current form, is not a stable or reliable partner. The beefed-up defenses serve multiple purposes, one of which could be guarding against the possibility of future political actions from within the United States. It reflects a prudent and forward-thinking approach, acknowledging that the best defense is one that can withstand any potential attack, from any quarter.