Greenland, a land of striking contrasts and rich traditions, stands at a pivotal moment in its history. With a population of 57,000, primarily of Inuit descent, the island spans an area three times the size of Texas but features just 56 miles of paved roads. As Greenland prepares for upcoming elections, the world's eyes turn to this Arctic territory that has long been a strategic interest for global powers. The elections promise to shed light on Greenland’s future relationships with the world, including its ties with the United States and Denmark.
The United States maintains a significant presence in Greenland, underscored by a base inside the Arctic Circle in the far northwest. This base not only serves as a key military outpost but also houses the US Space Force’s "Space Superiority" operations. Historically, the US stepped in to protect Greenland during World War II after Nazi Germany invaded, a move that cemented a longstanding defense relationship. The Danish navy, limited in size, relies heavily on US support to defend the island.
Greenland's natural resources have piqued American interest, with mining and oil exploration being focal points for potential economic collaboration. However, Greenland's cultural identity remains deeply rooted in its Inuit heritage. The Inuit people, who have their own language, customs, and traditions, face a complex legacy of colonization by Denmark. Notably, during the 1960s and 70s, young Inuit girls were subjected to forced contraceptive measures without consent—a dark chapter now under investigation, with findings expected later this year.
"When a clown enters a castle, he doesn’t become a king. The castle becomes a circus." – Højdal
Greenland's elections next month could be a turning point for the nation’s international affiliations. Figures like Tom Dans advocate for stronger ties with the United States, seeing Greenland as "the front door for North America." Others, such as Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen, urge caution and prefer maintaining the current relationship within the Danish kingdom. Jerimiassen acknowledges Greenland’s potential for greater autonomy but warns, "We might be ready someday, but not today, not tomorrow."
"Greenland is the front door for North America," – Tom Dans
"We might be ready someday, but not today, not tomorrow," – Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen
Cultural symbols like "Mother of the Sea," a stone sculpture of Sedna, the goddess of the sea in Inuit religion, embody the island’s rich heritage. Such elements highlight Greenland’s unique cultural landscape amid external influences and internal challenges.
"But we cannot live in the past," – Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen
Danish influence continues to be a point of contention among Greenlanders. As Lisbeth Højdal wryly notes, "They want more tourists to come here, they need to get more taxis," reflecting on infrastructural needs tied to economic aspirations. Moreover, sentiments about past colonial attitudes linger, as expressed by Olsen: "I used to be a royalist. I used to look up to the Danish people and thought they were better than me. Now, I’ve really realized that’s not the case."
"I used to be a royalist. I used to look up to the Danish people and thought they were better than me. Now, I’ve really realized that’s not the case," – Olsen
As Greenland approaches its electoral milestone, the balance between preserving cultural identity and engaging with global powers remains delicate. The upcoming months will likely reveal more about how Greenlanders envision their place in an increasingly interconnected world.
