U.S. vs. Denmark: Inside the Battle to Defend Greenland | WSJ

Greenland's Defense: Denmark's Billion-Dollar Investment Amid US Pressure

Key Concepts:

• Greenland's strategic importance (location, resources)
• US military presence in Greenland (historical and current)
• Danish defense responsibilities and limitations
• US pressure on Denmark to increase defense spending
• Geopolitical tensions in the Arctic
• Greenlandic concerns about foreign influence

Historical US Military Presence in Greenland

• World War II: US established military presence after the Nazi invasion of Denmark. The US feared German occupation of Greenland due to its strategic location between North America and Russia.
• Agreement with Denmark's Ambassador: The Danish ambassador to Washington made a deal with the US, making the US the de facto protector of Greenland.
• Reasons for US Expansion:
  • Cutting off German weather stations providing meteorological data to Europe.
  • Securing the cryolite mine in Ivittuut (essential for aluminum production).
  • Establishing an airstrip for ferrying aircraft to the UK.
• Cold War: Renewed treaty in 1951 allowed the US to remain and expand military installations to protect against the Soviet Union.
• Project Iceworm: Ambitious project to construct a military base under the ice, disguised as an Arctic research center, intended as a launchpad for nuclear missiles.
• Post-Cold War: US shifted focus, abandoning many posts and leaving behind equipment.

Current US Presence and Capabilities

• Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base): The only remaining US military base in Greenland since 2004.
• Upgraded Early Warning Radar Systems: Detect intercontinental ballistic missiles, potentially from Russia.
• Space Surveillance Systems: Support missions of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command).

Danish Defense Responsibilities and US Pressure

• Historical Division of Labor: US responsible for North American defense; Denmark responsible for Coast Guard and civilian functions.
• US Criticism: The US criticized Denmark for underinvesting in Greenland's security.
• Danish Response: Denmark pushed back against US criticism but has been guarded in its public messaging.

Denmark's Increased Defense Spending

• Billion-Dollar Investment: Denmark is investing billions in new Arctic defenses.
• Defense Package: Includes drones, ships, and two additional dog sled teams for operation in remote areas.
• Reasons for Increased Spending:
  • Response to global tensions and Russian aggression in Ukraine.
  • Signal to Russia and boost Greenland's defenses.
  • Concession to the US to smooth relations.

US Rights and Future Expansion

• US Autonomy at Thule: The US has significant autonomy in the Thule defense area.
• Provision for New Defense Areas: Agreement allows for new defense areas with Danish and Greenlandic consent.
• Wartime Authority: In the event of war, the US has the authority to decide on necessary actions.

Greenlandic Concerns

• Vulnerability: Greenland's vast size and harsh climate make it difficult to defend.
• Geopolitical Strife: Greenlanders are concerned about becoming a subject of geopolitical conflict.
• Limited Danish Defense Capability: Concerns that Denmark's ability to defend Greenland is limited.
• "Peaceful Invasion" Fears: The arrival of US military equipment and personnel has raised concerns among some Greenlanders.

Conclusion

Denmark is increasing its defense spending in Greenland in response to both geopolitical tensions and pressure from the US. While the US retains significant military rights on the island, Greenlanders are concerned about becoming a pawn in great power competition and question Denmark's ability to adequately protect them. The US appears to be pushing Denmark to assume responsibilities previously held by US forces during the Cold War, even as Denmark faces resource constraints due to commitments in Ukraine and the Baltic Sea.