
For decades, Greenland—that icy expanse in the North Atlantic—has largely been an afterthought in U.S. foreign policy. However, as global power dynamics shift and the Arctic grows in strategic significance, Greenland’s importance has emerged as a critical priority for safeguarding U.S. interests. With mounting threats from China and Russia, as well as the island’s treasure trove of rare earth metals and other vital resources, Greenland is no longer just a dot on the map; it is a lynchpin of 21st-century American security and economic strategy.
Geostrategic Significance in the New Cold War
Greenland’s location is not just advantageous; it is vital. Situated between North America and Europe, Greenland occupies a pivotal position along key maritime and air routes. This geographical reality has made the island indispensable to the United States and NATO for decades, serving as a bulwark against potential threats emanating from Russia.
During the Cold War, the U.S. established Thule Air Base in northwest Greenland as part of its early warning defense system against Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). That same geostrategic significance persists today, but the stakes have escalated. Russia, with its aggressive military build-up in the Arctic, is asserting territorial dominance and militarizing the region at an alarming rate. From reopening Soviet-era military bases to deploying nuclear-capable weapons systems, Moscow’s ambitions make Greenland a frontline defense post in the Arctic theater.
China, too, has entered the fray, albeit with different tactics. Beijing has declared itself a “near-Arctic state” and is actively pursuing a foothold in Greenland through investments in infrastructure and resource extraction. Chinese state-owned companies have attempted to finance airports, mining operations, and other projects on the island, thinly veiling their strategic intent under the guise of economic partnership. Beijing’s ambitions, if unchecked, could give it leverage over critical Arctic resources and undermine Western unity in a region central to global trade and security.
Greenland is, therefore, indispensable for projecting U.S. power and countering these dual threats. With weather patterns shifting due to things like orbital cycles and solar radiance cycles, the region’s navigable waterways are opening up new sea lanes that will redefine global shipping routes. Control over these routes—and the ability to deny adversaries access—is crucial to maintaining U.S. dominance in global trade and military strategy. Greenland’s geography makes it a strategic chokepoint, one that the United States cannot afford to cede to rival powers.
A Treasure Trove of Natural Resources
Beyond its geostrategic importance, Greenland is a goldmine of untapped natural resources, particularly rare earth elements (REEs). These metals are essential for manufacturing everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced military technologies such as precision-guided munitions and radar systems. The global demand for REEs is skyrocketing, and China currently dominates the supply chain, controlling over 80% of global production. This monopoly gives Beijing tremendous leverage over industries and nations that depend on these critical materials.
Greenland’s rare earth deposits offer a viable alternative to China’s dominance. The island is estimated to contain vast quantities of these elements, along with other valuable resources such as uranium, zinc, and precious metals. If developed responsibly and strategically, Greenland’s resource wealth could provide the United States and its allies with a secure and diversified supply chain for these indispensable materials. Such an outcome would bolster economic security and reduce vulnerabilities in critical industries.
However, allowing China to establish a foothold in Greenland’s mining sector would be a disastrous mistake. Beijing’s strategy of economic infiltration often serves as a precursor to political influence, enabling it to weaponize its investments to advance broader strategic objectives. For instance, control over Greenland’s rare earth mines could give China the ability to manipulate global supply chains, just as it has done in other sectors. By taking a proactive role in Greenland’s resource development, the United States can counter this threat while reaping significant economic benefits.
Greenland and Arctic Governance
Greenland’s strategic and economic value is magnified by its role in Arctic governance. As a constituent territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland plays a unique role in the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum for Arctic affairs. While Greenland is not an independent nation, its aspirations for greater autonomy—and potentially even independence—could shift the balance of power in the Arctic.
The United States must be prepared to engage Greenland diplomatically to secure its long-term interests. This means not only strengthening bilateral relations with the island but also working closely with Denmark to ensure that Greenland remains firmly aligned with Western alliances like NATO. Supporting Greenland’s economic development, infrastructure, and security needs can build goodwill and counter Chinese and Russian attempts to exploit the island’s aspirations for greater autonomy.
Countering Russian and Chinese Ambitions
While the United States has been relatively slow to recognize Greenland’s importance, Russia and China have been more proactive. Russia’s Arctic ambitions are evident in its extensive military build-up, which includes the establishment of new airbases, missile installations, and icebreaker fleets. These developments pose a direct threat to Greenland and, by extension, to U.S. and NATO interests in the region.
China’s approach, though less overtly militaristic, is no less concerning. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing has sought to integrate Arctic infrastructure into its global economic network. Chinese companies have repeatedly attempted to invest in Greenland’s mining, energy, and transportation sectors, often with financial terms that could lead to economic dependency. If successful, these efforts would give China a strategic foothold in the Arctic, undermining U.S. influence and creating vulnerabilities in Western supply chains.
The United States must adopt a multi-pronged strategy to counter these threats. First, it should enhance its military presence in Greenland and the broader Arctic region, ensuring that NATO’s northern flank remains secure. Second, it must work with Greenland and Denmark to block Chinese investments that pose a risk to national security. Finally, the U.S. should invest in Arctic research and development, infrastructure, and resource exploration to strengthen its position as a leader in the region.
Investing in Greenland’s Future
To secure its interests in Greenland, the United States must take a proactive approach that combines military, economic, and diplomatic efforts. This includes investing in infrastructure projects that improve Greenland’s connectivity and economic resilience. Airports, ports, and telecommunications networks are not just commercial necessities; they are strategic assets that can reinforce Western alliances and counter China’s economic influence.
Additionally, the United States should support Greenland’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond resource extraction. Tourism, fisheries, and renewable energy offer promising opportunities for sustainable development. By partnering with Greenland on these initiatives, the United States can foster economic growth while deepening ties with the island’s government and people.
Educational and cultural exchanges can also play a role in strengthening U.S.-Greenland relations. Scholarships, research collaborations, and cultural programs can build goodwill and foster a sense of shared purpose in addressing Arctic challenges. Such initiatives are particularly important as Greenland continues to navigate its path toward greater autonomy.
Conclusion
Greenland’s importance to U.S. interests cannot be overstated. From its strategic location and role in Arctic defense to its wealth of rare earth metals and other resources, Greenland is a critical asset in the face of growing threats from China and Russia. Securing U.S. interests in Greenland will require a comprehensive strategy that leverages military strength, economic investment, and diplomatic engagement.
In the face of rising great-power competition, the United States cannot afford to overlook Greenland. The stakes are too high, and the consequences of inaction too severe. By recognizing Greenland’s strategic and economic value and acting decisively to protect it, the United States can ensure its security and prosperity for generations to come.
While Andrew Langer is the Director of the CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom, he also has a degree in International Relations with a Concentration in Russian Studies from William & Mary