Informed sources have confirmed that the United States and Denmark are in the process of renegotiating the historic defense agreement relating to Greenland, which dates back to 1951. This move comes amid rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region, and growing international interest in the resource-rich and strategically vital area.
Historical background and strategic importance
The original defense agreement was signed in the midst of the Cold War, granting the United States the right to establish and operate military bases in Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Its primary objective was to create an early warning system against any potential Soviet missile attack across the Arctic. Thule Air Force Base, now Petavik Space Base, is a prime example of this cooperation, having played a pivotal role in North America's air defense strategy for decades.
In recent years, Greenland has returned to the forefront of the global scene, particularly after former US President Donald Trump expressed interest in purchasing the island in 2019, a move that was met with firm rejection from Copenhagen and Nuuk (Greenland's capital). Despite the unusual nature of the proposal, it once again highlighted the island's enduring strategic importance.
Impacts of climate change and international competition
Climate change and the melting of Arctic ice are opening up new shipping lanes, such as the Northwest Passage, shortening distances between Asia, Europe, and North America. They are also revealing vast natural resources of oil, gas, and rare earth minerals that were previously untapped. This geopolitical and economic shift has made the region a new arena for competition among major powers.
In this context, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos that the talks aim to strengthen the collective security of the alliance's Arctic member states and prevent Russia and China from expanding their influence in the region. He indicated that the goal is to guarantee the security of seven key countries in the region—the United States, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway—in the face of the growing ambitions of Moscow and Beijing.
Expected objectives and regional impact
The new negotiations aim to update the existing agreement to address contemporary security challenges. Discussions are expected to cover strengthening US military and intelligence capabilities in Greenland, upgrading radar and surveillance systems, and increasing cooperation among NATO members in the region. An informed source clarified that the idea of establishing US bases under full US sovereignty was not discussed, underscoring respect for Danish sovereignty.
Updating the treaty sends a clear message to Russia, which has bolstered its military presence in the Arctic by reopening Soviet-era bases, and to China, which has declared itself a “sub-polar power” and is seeking to expand its influence through its “Arctic Silk Road” initiative. Therefore, this move is not only intended to protect American and Danish interests, but also to reaffirm NATO’s dominance and its ability to defend its northern flank against any future challenges.
