Greenland’s Strategic Position in Seven Maps: Why Trump Wants the Island

In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump made waves by suggesting the United States should buy Greenland from Denmark. While his offer was quickly dismissed by the Danish government, the incident sparked a wider discussion about the geopolitical and strategic significance of the island. Why, out of all the territories in the world, would a major world power be so keen to acquire this cold, remote landmass?

Greenland, the world's largest island, may appear isolated, but it occupies a critical position in global politics, trade, and military strategy. Positioned between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Oceans, it offers unique advantages that are difficult to ignore — especially in a time of intense global rivalry.

In this article, we’ll explore seven maps that help illustrate Greenland’s strategic importance and why Trump’s interest in the island wasn’t entirely misplaced.

1. Greenland’s Proximity to Key Global Powers

One of the most compelling reasons for interest in Greenland is its proximity to other world powers. Positioned just to the north of Canada and the United States, Greenland lies on the boundary between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, strategically close to key shipping routes and natural resources. The island also sits near Russia’s northern coast and is just a few hundred miles from important trade routes that connect Europe, North America, and Asia.

From a military perspective, controlling Greenland would give the United States significant leverage in the North Atlantic. It would allow the U.S. to monitor and counter Russian and Chinese movements in the Arctic region, making it a valuable outpost for surveillance and defense.

2. Access to Rich Natural Resources

Greenland has vast reserves of natural resources that are becoming increasingly valuable as global demand for materials like oil, gas, and minerals grows. With a potential wealth of untapped resources — including rare earth metals, uranium, and oil — Greenland’s economic potential cannot be understated.

In recent years, the island has seen increasing interest from global companies in the mining and oil exploration sectors. For the United States, access to these resources could boost its energy independence and provide new economic opportunities. Trump’s interest in Greenland, therefore, wasn't just a military strategy but also an economic one.

3. The Melting Arctic: A New Strategic Frontier

Climate change is rapidly transforming the Arctic region, with melting ice opening up new shipping routes and access to natural resources that were previously unreachable. In the next few decades, the Arctic could become one of the most significant commercial and military regions in the world.

Greenland is positioned at the center of these changes, acting as a gateway to new shipping lanes between Europe and Asia. The U.S. sees these new routes as critical for trade and military strategy. Control over Greenland means control over one of the most crucial geopolitical chess pieces in the Arctic race.

4. Military Bases and Radar Systems: Why U.S. Interests Matter

The United States has long had military interests in Greenland, dating back to World War II, when it established a key air base on the island. The Thule Air Base, located in Greenland’s far north, serves as a critical location for surveillance and defense operations.

From Thule, the U.S. has been able to monitor missile activity from Russia and other adversaries, maintaining control over the Arctic region's air and missile defense systems. The importance of this airbase in a world where military tensions with Russia and China continue to rise cannot be overstated. Control over Greenland would give the U.S. greater operational flexibility in the Arctic.

5. Greenland and the Arctic Council: A Geopolitical Play

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark but has a strong local government that controls many of its affairs, including foreign policy. It is also a member of the Arctic Council, an international forum for countries with Arctic interests.

The Arctic Council deals with environmental protection, sustainable development, and cooperation among nations that have territorial claims in the region. By acquiring Greenland, the U.S. would gain more leverage in the Arctic Council and increase its influence in this high-stakes geopolitical arena. The U.S. is already competing with Russia and China for influence in the Arctic, and owning Greenland would give America a strategic edge in this critical area.

6. The U.S. and the Great Power Competition

In today’s era of great power competition, the United States faces significant challenges from China and Russia, both of which are intensifying their focus on the Arctic. Russia, in particular, has been expanding its military presence in the region, rebuilding old Soviet bases and fortifying its position as the dominant Arctic power. China, on the other hand, has increasingly sought to establish a “polar silk road,” positioning itself as an Arctic power through trade agreements and infrastructure development.

For Trump, acquiring Greenland was not just about territorial expansion — it was about maintaining American dominance in a rapidly changing world order. Control over Greenland would significantly enhance the United States' ability to project power in the Arctic, counter Russian and Chinese influence, and secure its interests in global trade and defense.

7. The Military and Economic Significance of Greenland’s Airports

Greenland’s airports, especially the Kangerlussuaq Airport, are strategically located and could play a key role in military operations and logistics. Kangerlussuaq serves as a hub for Arctic operations and could be used to rapidly deploy forces, conduct surveillance, or secure trade routes.

Additionally, Greenland’s position allows for easier access to Europe, North America, and the Arctic region. If tensions between the U.S., Russia, and China continue to escalate, having a forward military position like Greenland would be invaluable. The island’s airports and ports are vital assets in any military or economic competition in the Arctic and beyond.

Conclusion: Greenland as a Critical Geopolitical Prize

While Trump’s proposal to buy Greenland was met with laughter and rejection, his underlying point about the island’s strategic value remains valid. Greenland’s position — at the crossroads of the Arctic, North Atlantic, and major global trade routes — offers both military and economic advantages that are hard to ignore.

With climate change opening new shipping lanes, a growing demand for natural resources, and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, Greenland is quickly becoming one of the world’s most important territories. For the United States, owning the island would provide not only a military outpost but also a foothold in one of the world’s most critical and rapidly evolving regions.

Trump’s interest in Greenland may have been controversial, but it’s clear that the island’s strategic position continues to make it a prized asset for any nation with global ambitions.