Greenland is not just a territorial concern. It is a reckoning

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Ahmad JoumaaJanuary 20, 2026 at 11:28 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Denmark is facing a crisis over Greenland as threats by the United States to take control of the island have prompted a military response from Denmark. European allies have also sent small contingents to show support. The US interest in Greenland is driven by its strategic location and resources, making it a prized possession in an increasingly competitive global order. This development has exposed Denmark's own imperial past, as the country had previously aligned itself closely with the US and participated in wars that reshaped regions under the banner of security and alliance loyalty. Denmark's sovereignty and commitment to international law are being tested by this sudden application of imperial logic to its own territory. The crisis highlights the irony of Denmark's long-standing involvement in promoting these principles elsewhere.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

European Union 50% Iraq 60% United States ×280% Denmark ×1090% Greenland ×695%

Keywords

greenland 100% denmark 90% danish sovereignty 80% imperialism 80% international law 70% great power politics 60% self-determination 60% geopolitics 50% united states 50% territorial concern 40%