Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Global Issues, Issue: Greenland and the Future of Arctic Security.
Context:
US President Donald Trump has renewed assertions about acquiring Greenland, citing strategic and security interests. Though politically implausible, such a move would have far-reaching consequences for NATO cohesion, Arctic geopolitics, and US–Russia–China dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
| About Greenland: It is the world’s largest (non-continent) island located between the continents of North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is geographically considered a part of the North American continent. It was once a Danish colony and is now an autonomous province of Denmark. Borders of Greenland: It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north; by the Greenland Sea to the east; by the North Atlantic Ocean to the southeast; Davis Strait to the southwest and Baffin Bay to the west. Capital: Nuuk. |
The Potential Fallout:
1. NATO Implosion:
- Article 5 Violation: A US annexation of Greenland would directly violate the territorial integrity of Denmark, a NATO member. This unprecedented situation would trigger Article 5, the collective defense clause, forcing NATO to confront the dilemma of a member attacking another.
- Uncertain Response: While Denmark would likely invoke Article 5, the subsequent actions of other NATO members are uncertain. The treaty was not designed for a scenario where a powerful member aggresses against another.
- Death of NATO: Such a move could effectively dismantle NATO, as the alliance’s core principle of mutual defense would be severely compromised.
2. Benefits for Russia and China:
- Strategic Advantage for Russia: Fractures within NATO would benefit Russia, diverting resources away from the war in Ukraine.
- Undermining Efforts to Limit Russian Influence: While the annexation is ostensibly aimed at limiting Russian influence in the Arctic, it could backfire by weakening the alliance best positioned to counter Russia.
- Exploitation of US Misdirection: Trump’s claims of Russian and Chinese Arctic presence are misplaced. Their focus is on the waters around Alaska, not Greenland.
3. Unnecessary Action:
- Existing Infrastructure: The US already possesses a standing treaty with Greenland dating back to 1951 and once operated 17 bases on the island.
- Reactivation Potential: These bases can be reactivated if the US deems it necessary, negating the need for annexation.
4. Misplaced Focus:
- Alaska as the Real Target: Trump’s concerns about Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic are valid, but their primary focus is on the waters around Alaska, not Greenland.
- Degrading Arctic Infrastructure: The US Department of Defense acknowledges the degradation of Arctic infrastructure, primarily around Alaska, due to permafrost thaw and coastal erosion.
A US annexation of Greenland would undermine NATO, benefit adversaries, risk nuclear proliferation, and weaken global norms, despite being unnecessary given existing agreements, while diverting attention from real Russian–Chinese activity near Alaska.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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