Why Greenland’s Independence Matters: The Fight for Freedom, Resources, and Global Significance
Greenland’s Independence: Why America Should Support Its Break from Denmark
Greenland Arctic Landscape with Inuit Settlement
As a conservative American, I’ve always believed in the principles that built this great nation: liberty, self-determination, and the courage to stand against tyranny. That’s why I can’t help but support Greenland in its fight for independence from Denmark. Their struggle to shake off centuries of colonial rule and reclaim their destiny resonates deeply with the ideals that define our own history.
Greenland’s situation is a modern echo of the American Revolution. Like us in 1776, they’re told by their distant overseers that they’re “not ready” to govern themselves. They’re fed the same patronizing line we once heard: “You depend on us for survival.” But anyone who’s paid attention knows this isn’t about Greenland’s capability. It’s about Denmark’s fear of losing control over a strategic and resource-rich territory.
Let me tell you why this fight matters—not just to Greenland, but to the United States and the rest of the free world.
A History of Greenland’s Fight for Freedom
Greenland’s relationship with Denmark dates back to the early 18th century when Denmark claimed the island as part of its kingdom. However, Greenland was never fully integrated into Danish society, culturally or politically. The Inuit people of Greenland, with their distinct heritage and traditions, remained worlds apart from their European colonizers.
The modern struggle for independence began to take shape in the mid-20th century. After World War II, the United States developed a strategic interest in Greenland. In 1946, the U.S. even offered to buy Greenland from Denmark for $100 million, but Denmark declined, tightening its hold on the island. Recognizing Greenland’s strategic importance in the Arctic during the Cold War, Denmark signed a defense agreement with the U.S. in 1951, granting access to establish military bases like Thule Air Base.
Despite its geopolitical value, Greenland’s cultural and political autonomy remained suppressed. In 1953, Denmark formally ended Greenland’s colonial status by incorporating it as a Danish county. However, this move was little more than a rebranding of control. Danish policies pushed cultural assimilation, discouraging the use of the Greenlandic language and uprooting many Greenlanders to Denmark for education. These policies led to a loss of cultural identity among Greenlanders but also sparked a growing independence movement that reached its peak in the 1970s.
In 1979, Greenland gained limited autonomy through the Home Rule Act, giving it control over internal policies while Denmark maintained authority over foreign policy, security, and natural resources. This was expanded in 2009 with the Self-Rule Act, recognizing Greenlanders as a distinct people within the Kingdom of Denmark and granting control over its natural resources. Importantly, the act allowed for the possibility of full independence through a referendum.
Today, Greenland stands on the cusp of realizing that dream. With a rising tide of support among its people and a government committed to self-determination, the island may soon hold a referendum on independence. Prime Minister Múte Egede has made it clear: Greenland is ready to break free.
Denmark’s Hold Over Greenland: A Colonial Relic
Greenland’s Geopolitical Significance Illustrated
Denmark has long tried to portray itself as a benevolent steward of Greenland, but the truth is far more self-serving. Greenland is not just a rugged Arctic island; it’s a geopolitical gem with immense natural wealth. Its rare earth minerals, fisheries, and untapped energy resources could power an independent Greenland to prosperity. Add to that its strategic location in the Arctic, and it’s no wonder Denmark is clinging to this “partnership.”
Let’s not mince words: Denmark’s control over Greenland is colonialism, plain and simple. They’ve granted limited autonomy to keep up appearances, but they’ve never relinquished real control. Greenlanders are tired of being treated as second-class citizens, dependent on handouts, while Denmark reaps the benefits of their land. It’s a tale as old as time: the colonizer growing rich while the colonized are told to be grateful for the crumbs.
As Americans, we know this story all too well. We fought to escape it. And now we have a chance to stand alongside Greenland as they fight to do the same.
Greenland’s Readiness for Independence
Critics of Greenland’s independence movement—many of them in Denmark, but some even here in the U.S.—argue that Greenland isn’t ready to go it alone. They point to the island’s reliance on Danish subsidies, which currently make up about half of Greenland’s annual budget, and claim that this dependence proves Greenland cannot survive without Copenhagen’s support. But that argument misses the mark entirely. Those subsidies are not a symbol of Denmark’s generosity—they are a tool of control, a way for Copenhagen to maintain leverage over Greenland while keeping its immense potential under wraps.
Greenland is not a barren outpost incapable of sustaining itself. Quite the opposite: the island is a treasure trove of natural resources. Its rare earth minerals, essential for the tech industry, are in high demand worldwide as nations race to secure materials for clean energy technologies like electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines. Greenland’s mineral wealth has already attracted interest from countries like China and the United States, offering the potential for lucrative trade agreements that could serve as the backbone of an independent economy.
Greenland’s Economic Potential Illustrated
In addition to its minerals, Greenland boasts some of the world’s richest fisheries, which supply seafood to markets across Europe and beyond. With greater control over these resources, Greenland could expand its fishing industry and diversify its export economy, creating jobs and strengthening its financial independence. Denmark’s oversight currently limits the full potential of these industries, keeping Greenland locked into a cycle of dependency.
Tourism is another untapped goldmine for Greenland. The island’s stunning Arctic landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural heritage make it a dream destination for adventurous travelers. However, the infrastructure needed to fully capitalize on this potential—airports, lodges, and transportation networks—has been underdeveloped, largely due to Denmark’s lack of investment in these areas. Independence would allow Greenland to prioritize these projects, transforming its tourism sector into a major economic driver.
Critics also underestimate the resilience and ingenuity of the Greenlandic people. For centuries, Greenlanders have survived and thrived in one of the harshest environments on Earth. They are no strangers to adversity, and their ability to adapt and innovate is unparalleled. Yes, independence would require sacrifices—no nation achieves self-determination without hard work and challenges—but Greenlanders have shown time and again that they are ready to rise to the occasion.
Another point often overlooked is Greenland’s growing ability to form strategic partnerships. Countries like the United States, Canada, and even Japan have expressed interest in deepening economic and diplomatic ties with Greenland. These partnerships could provide the investment and expertise needed to develop key industries without the paternalistic strings attached by Denmark. An independent Greenland would not be isolated; it would be a player on the global stage, free to choose its allies and negotiate its own terms.
The argument against Greenland’s readiness for independence also ignores the fact that every nation that has ever sought freedom has faced skepticism. Critics once doubted whether the United States could survive without British rule, yet here we are, centuries later, as one of the most powerful nations in the world. The same doubts were cast on countless nations that gained independence throughout the 20th century. Independence is rarely easy, but the rewards—sovereignty, dignity, and self-determination—are worth the struggle.
We should not dismiss Greenland’s aspirations because of temporary economic hurdles or logistical challenges. Instead, we should admire their courage and resolve to shape their own future. Their readiness for independence lies not just in their resources, but in their unwavering commitment to reclaiming their identity and forging a path free from colonial oversight. As Americans, we should recognize this spirit and offer our full support, knowing that the road to independence is paved with determination and vision.
Cultural Connections: Resilience, Self-Reliance, and Shared Values
Greenlanders and Americans may live worlds apart, but we are kindred spirits in the values that matter most: resilience, self-reliance, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. These shared ideals form a cultural connection that transcends geography, making Greenland’s fight for independence one that resonates deeply with American conservatives.
Take resilience, for example. Greenlanders have thrived for centuries in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The Arctic climate is brutal, yet they’ve built vibrant communities, adapted to their surroundings, and preserved their cultural heritage. They’ve weathered the ice and isolation, creating a way of life rooted in perseverance. This mirrors the spirit of early Americans, who carved out a new nation in the face of countless challenges. From settlers braving the untamed frontier to modern entrepreneurs defying the odds to achieve success, resilience is woven into the American story. Greenlanders carry forward that same torch as they push for independence, proving that they, too, have what it takes to endure and succeed.
Self-reliance is another hallmark that unites us. For centuries, Greenland’s Inuit communities have lived off the land and sea, mastering skills like hunting, fishing, and navigating treacherous Arctic waters. These practices aren’t just survival techniques—they’re a way of life that embodies independence and respect for nature. Similarly, Americans have long valued the ability to stand on one’s own. Whether it’s a farmer tilling the soil, a family building a life without government interference, or an entrepreneur starting a business from scratch, self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of our culture. Greenlanders’ ability to thrive in the Arctic, often with little outside support, is a testament to their strength and determination—qualities we respect and admire.
Then there’s the deep respect both cultures have for freedom. Greenland’s yearning for independence is about more than political autonomy; it’s about reclaiming their identity, language, and traditions. For centuries, their Inuit heritage has been overshadowed by Danish colonialism, much like how early Americans felt suffocated by British rule. Independence for Greenland isn’t just a matter of governance; it’s a cultural awakening—a chance to restore pride in who they are and where they come from.
Even in modern times, Greenlanders and Americans share a bond through rugged individualism. Think about the kind of person it takes to live in the Arctic—a land of icebergs, polar nights, and isolation. It’s not for the faint of heart, just as building a life on the American frontier wasn’t for the weak-willed. Both cultures celebrate the ability to rise above adversity, to find strength in independence, and to thrive in the face of challenges. Greenlanders embody the very spirit that conservatives value: the belief that individuals, not governments, are the true drivers of success and progress.
Why the U.S. Should Support Greenland’s Independence
There are plenty of reasons for the U.S. to stand with Greenland—practical, strategic, and moral.
First, the practical. An independent Greenland would be a valuable ally in the Arctic, a region that’s becoming a battleground for global influence. China is already trying to establish a foothold there, and Russia has been ramping up its Arctic presence for years. By supporting Greenland’s independence, we’d be helping to ensure that the Arctic remains a region of freedom, not authoritarianism. Greenland is already friendly with the U.S., and an independent Greenland would likely deepen that partnership.
Then there’s the moral case. As Americans, we’ve always championed the right of people to govern themselves. That’s what we fought for in our revolution, and it’s what we’ve supported in countless struggles for independence around the world. To turn our backs on Greenland now would be hypocritical and a betrayal of our own values.
And let’s not forget the cultural connection. Greenlanders share the same spirit of resilience and self-reliance that we value so deeply here in the U.S. They’ve survived and thrived in one of the harshest environments on Earth. If anyone can make independence work, it’s them.
A Message to Fellow Conservatives
I know some of my fellow conservatives might hesitate to support Greenland’s independence because of how the left mocked the idea a few years ago and is once again doing regarding Greenland. Remember when President Trump suggested buying Greenland? The left had a field day, turning it into a joke while ignoring the serious geopolitical and strategic implications. But conservatives should rise above that noise. Greenland’s fight for independence isn’t about political theater; it’s about principle.
Supporting Greenland is a chance to affirm our values: the right to self-determination, the power of liberty, and the belief in a future defined by the free will of a people. It’s also a chance to solidify America’s presence in the Arctic, countering authoritarian regimes that are eager to fill any power vacuum. The mockery of a few pundits shouldn’t overshadow what’s truly at stake here.
Conclusion: Greenland’s Freedom is America’s Cause
As a conservative American, I see Greenland’s fight for independence as a cause worth championing. It’s a fight for liberty, dignity, and the right to determine your own future. It’s a fight we know well because it’s the same fight that birthed our nation.
Denmark has held Greenland back for too long. The people of Greenland are ready to stand on their own, and they deserve our support as they take that bold step forward. To my fellow Americans—especially my fellow conservatives—I say this: Let’s stand with Greenland. Let’s support their fight for freedom. And let’s prove, once again, that America will always stand with those who dare to be free.