Greenland as a self-governing sub-national territory in international relations: past, current and future perspectives

Abstract

Greenland was used by the US as a platform and as an extended arm within its security and foreign policy during the World War II and the cold war. After this things changed, although Greenland remained important in Danish-US relations under the umbrella of NATO. Nowadays, the geostrategic position of Greenland between North America and Europe is gaining fresh prominence in the race for natural resources in the Arctic. Many issues arise from the prospective opening of the Arctic, all of which may have fateful impacts on future development in the region. Climate change, claims related to the extension of the continental shelf, exploitation and exploration of natural resources, together with the protection of indigenous peoples are all current issues that must be taken into consideration in the context of security and foreign policy formation in Greenland. The future of the Thule Air Base is also relevant. This article reviews developments from the World War II to the present regarding international relations from a Greenlandic perspective. As a self-governing sub-national territory within the realm of Denmark, Greenland does not have the ultimate decision-making power within foreign and security policy. The new Self-Government Act of 2009, however, gives Greenland some room for manoeuvre in this respect.

Perceptions of decision-makers about a potential forum of cooperation in the eastern part of the North American Arctic

“…For one, Greenland's quest for independence can prove an impediment as much as an incentive for further cooperation. Disagreements over competencies between Denmark and Greenland have occasionally led to frictions as Danish competencies over security and defence can overlap with Greenlandic jurisdictions over natural resources (Ackrén & Jakobsen 2015;Henriksen & Rahbek-Clemmensen 2017). On the other hand, the government of Greenland's para-diplomatic activities have been increasing, the region signing agreements with sovereign states and opening diplomatic offices abroad.…”

Communication and Knowledge Transfer on Climate Change in the Philippines

“…In April 2016, Greenland opted for a territorial reservation to the Paris Agreement, as negotiated in December 2015, because the agreement did not take the country's economic development considerations fully into account (Government of Greenland). The disappearance of ice in Greenland has made valuable resources, such as oil, gas, mining and hydrocarbon development, both at sea and on land, more accessible (Ackrén and Jakobsen 2015;Nuttall 2009). Due to these possibilities for economic development, Nuttall (2009: 295) concludes that "Greenland is literally warming to the idea of less snow and ice".…”

‘Have you entered the storehouses of the snow?’ China as a norm entrepreneur in the Arctic

“…In 2009, Greenland received ‘self-rule’ from Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining oversight of defence and foreign affairs. Since that time, the Greenlandic government has sought stronger international ties, quietly exploring the option of eventual independence (Ackrén and Jakobsen 2015). The island is rich in mineral wealth, ranging from base and precious metals to gemstones to rare earth elements (REE), which are becoming more accessible as the ice sheet recedes.…”