Why Is Greenland Part of the Kingdom of Denmark? A Short History
Greenland’s status within the Kingdom of Denmark is being re-examined in light of renewed US interest in acquiring or controlling the island for strategic and resource reasons. Commenters weigh Greenlanders’ right to self-determination, their mixed desire for eventual independence versus maintaining a Danish-style welfare state, and the risks of becoming a de facto US territory through money, pressure, or force. The exchange also touches on colonial abuses by Denmark, the credibility of international treaties, and broader critiques of US foreign policy, American exceptionalism, and constitutional design.
Greenland’s status and self‑determination
- Many commenters argue the only legitimate question is what current Greenlanders want, not historical claims.
- Cited polls show overwhelming opposition (about 85% vs 6%) to becoming part of the US.
- Greenland has home rule and a legal “blueprint” for independence; independence must be approved by referendum and the Danish parliament.
- Some note pro‑independence parties hold a supermajority, but support drops if independence threatens the welfare state.
US ambitions and scenarios for annexation
- Speculation about US paths: outright purchase, bribing residents with large payouts, backing an independence vote then bringing Greenland into a US “compact,” or even military coercion.
- Several highlight a 1916 treaty where the US accepted Danish control over Greenland; breaking this would further erode trust in US treaties.
- Others say power politics and military spending mean treaties are weak constraints.
- There’s concern that any US move—by force or heavy coercion—would shatter NATO and global trust, though some doubt the US public would support a war with a NATO ally.
Mining, resources, and environment
- Questions raised about rare earths and whether EU or US firms will dominate extraction.
- Some argue profitable mining likely implies environmental damage and displacement; others frame responsible mining under Greenlandic control as key to funding independence.
Denmark, colonial history, and EU ties
- Several point to recent Danish abuses (forced contraception, child removal, “parenting competency” tests) as evidence of ongoing colonial patterns.
- Others counter that, despite this, Denmark provides welfare and political backing that shield Greenland from harsher US pressure.
- Greenland is outside the EU, but residents tied to Denmark have EU citizenship; this complicates any switch to US sovereignty.
US culture, system design, and exceptionalism
- Long subthread contrasts US “manifest destiny” / Monroe Doctrine attitudes and McMansion‑style prosperity with Canadian/European preferences for welfare states and smaller footprints.
- Another subthread criticizes presidential systems as unstable “elected monarchy,” contrasting them with parliamentary or consensus models (Germany, Switzerland) that are seen as more resilient.