Greenland’s Importance Lies in Its Location
Subheading: There are solid strategic reasons for Trump’s interest in Greenland.
Byline: Geopolitics | Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, Former Commander, Kashmir Corps.
Key Sections of the Article:
1.from Geography to Strategy
The author admits that geography was his least favorite subject in school. Back then, Greenland was just a vast, pale shape on the map near the Arctic Circle. The idea that a remote, ice-covered land could one day hold global strategic importance seemed unbelievable. However, Greenland has recently re-emerged in international discourse, primarily due to Donald Trump.
2. Why the Initial Skepticism?
When the idea of the U.S. "buying" Greenland first surfaced, the global reaction was one of disbelief. Why would the U.S. want an island with only 57,000 people, mostly covered in ice? Initial analysis focused on rare earth minerals and future commercial potential. While these are important, the author argues they are not the primary reason. To understand Greenland’s resurgence, one must look elsewhere.
3. The Power of Location
Greenland’s importance is inherent in its location. It sits on the shortest air and missile routes between Eurasia and North America. During the Cold War, the "Greenland-Iceland-UK Gap" was a central element of NATO’s maritime strategy, allowing for the monitoring of Soviet submarines entering the Atlantic.
4. The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is turning the Arctic into an active zone. Melting ice is opening new maritime routes. Additionally, advancements in hypersonic weapons, long-range precision strikes, and space-based sensors have effectively "shrunk" distances. Greenland is shifting from the periphery to the front line of defense. The "buffer" provided by distance is disappearing, reducing the reaction time for the U.S. mainland.
5. The Siachen Comparison
The author draws a parallel with India’s presence on the Siachen Glacier. Economically, Siachen has little value and carries immense logistical costs. However, India remains there because vacating it would allow Pakistan to occupy a territory that—while seemingly marginal today—could be used against India in the future. Greenland is a similar "long-term vision" for the U.S.
6. The Rise of Russia and China
Russia has remilitarized large parts of the Arctic, reopening old bases and expanding its northern naval capabilities. Even China has declared itself a "Near-Arctic State," increasing its presence through research, investment, and diplomacy. If the U.S. did not act, it would be surprising. While Trump’s style (of wanting to buy it from Denmark) might be unconventional, the strategic motivation behind it is sound. In the face of a rapidly militarizing Arctic, any U.S. administration would eventually be forced to re-evaluate Greenland's importance.
Conclusion of the Article
The Arctic should be viewed as an emerging theater of strategic importance. Geography hasn't changed, but its meaning has. Strong nations act before their weaknesses are exposed.
Source Dainik Bhaskar