Proposal for US–Greenland Integration: A Path to the Future

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The idea of the United States acquiring Greenland is not new, nor is it without precedent. When President Trump first floated the idea in 2019, it was dismissed as fantastical. Yet history suggests otherwise. The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 under similar strategic and economic pretenses, and before that, the Louisiana Purchase and the annexation of Hawaii proved that American expansion, when guided by pragmatism and diplomacy, can yield long-term benefits for all parties involved.

Today, as great-power competition in the Arctic intensifies, the question is not whether Greenland can remain geopolitically untouched—it cannot—but rather who will shape its future. The Arctic is becoming a focal point of geopolitical rivalry, with China and Russia aggressively expanding their presence in the region. Russia has reopened Soviet-era bases and deployed advanced weapons systems, while China has sought to establish itself as a "near-Arctic state" through economic entrenchment and infrastructure projects. These developments underscore the strategic necessity for the United States to secure its interests in the Arctic.

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Figure 1. Vice President JD Vance visits Greenland. Colonel Susan Meyers, USSF, 821st Space Base Group commander, left, greets Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, 28 March 2025. Vance was the first vice president to visit the remote base, where he received an in-depth brief of the missions and importance to national defense. (Source: US Space Force photo by SSgt Jaime Sanchez)

The time has come for Washington to think beyond the reactionary headlines and offer Greenlanders a vision of prosperity, security, and partnership, one that recognizes their aspirations while securing US interests in an increasingly contested Arctic. This proposal lays out a framework for the voluntary integration of Greenland into the United States, ensuring that such a transition is not an imposition, but a mutually beneficial arrangement. It addresses the key concerns of national identity, economic development, legal status, and strategic interests, all of which must be resolved to make this vision viable.

Drawing upon the lessons of Alaska, this plan prioritizes economic incentives, self-determination, and sustainable governance, offering Greenlanders the opportunity to determine their future under terms far more favorable than those they currently face. The Alaska Permanent Fund, which distributes dividends from oil revenues directly to Alaskan residents, serves as a successful model for resource-based economic development that could be replicated in Greenland. Additionally, modern infrastructure investments, renewable energy projects, and special economic zones would unlock Greenland's vast potential.

With China and Russia both expanding their influence in the Arctic, it is in Greenland’s—and America’s—best interest to forge a new path together. The question is no longer whether Greenland will change, but who will help shape its transformation. The United States must ensure that it is not merely an observer in this process, but an engaged and constructive partner. By integrating Greenland into the US framework, Washington can secure its strategic interests while providing Greenlanders with enhanced economic opportunities, democratic participation, and cultural preservation.

This proposal envisions a future where Greenland's integration into the United States is guided by respect, investment, and strategic vision, ensuring mutual prosperity and security in the Arctic region.

Political & Legal Framework: A Strategic and Gradual Integration

At the core of any discussion regarding Greenland’s potential integration into the United States is the principle of sovereignty. This is not a mere legal or political transaction but a question of self-determination for the Greenlandic people. Greenland is not an unclaimed expanse of land—it is home to a proud, historically rich, and culturally distinct population. Any steps toward integration must be undertaken with the explicit and voluntary consent of Greenlanders, ensuring that their future is shaped by democratic choice rather than external imposition.¹

Though Greenland has historically been administratively linked to Europe, its geographical and cultural ties to North America are undeniable. Resting on the North American tectonic plate, Greenland also shares deep cultural and historical connections with the Inuit populations of Canada and Alaska. These connections go beyond geography, manifesting in shared traditions, survival strategies, and indigenous governance structures. While Denmark has long administered Greenland, its future should align with the Arctic nations that reflect its environment, heritage, and economic priorities.²

Denmark’s continued governance over Greenland, despite granting self-rule in 2009, persists largely due to historical inertia rather than mutual benefit. Greenlanders have repeatedly expressed the desire for greater autonomy, yet Copenhagen retains control over critical areas such as foreign policy, defense, and the legal system.³ While Denmark has played a role in Greenland’s modernization, the relationship remains one in which key decisions affecting Greenland’s future are made in a distant European capital. Greenland’s political trajectory must now be determined by its own people, free from outdated colonial structures.⁴

The most responsible and equitable path forward is a transitional, phased approach that allows Greenlanders to chart their own future while benefiting from economic and institutional support. Under this proposal, Greenland would first attain the status of an Associated Territory of the United States—a model that ensures maximum autonomy while providing strategic benefits. This arrangement is comparable to Puerto Rico’s trajectory before becoming a Commonwealth, offering Greenland access to US federal resources, economic development programs, and legal protections, all while maintaining full self-governance over domestic affairs such as education, cultural preservation, and environmental policy. The United States would assume responsibilities only in areas where Greenland voluntarily seeks partnership, such as defense, trade facilitation, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

A critical element of this transition is the guarantee of Greenlandic self-determination at every stage. The Associated Territory status would last for a designated period—likely 10 to 15 years—after which Greenlanders would hold a binding referendum to decide their future. This vote would offer three clear choices: (1) full US statehood with congressional representation and access to federal programs; (2) continued territorial status with sustained autonomy; or (3) full independence with economic and structural support during the transition. This process ensures that integration, if chosen, is entirely voluntary and based on informed, democratic decision-making.

Equally important is the protection of Greenland’s cultural and linguistic identity. The fear of cultural erosion is valid whenever smaller nations integrate into larger political entities, but this framework explicitly safeguards Greenlandic heritage. Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) would be officially recognized within Greenland, with federal funding allocated to language preservation, indigenous education, and cultural institutions. The goal is not assimilation but the strengthening of Greenlandic identity alongside the economic and security benefits of US partnership.

Finally, this transition must be coordinated collaboratively with Denmark to ensure stability and continuity. Denmark’s long-standing historical and economic relationship with Greenland means that an abrupt separation would be neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, a structured partnership during the transition—similar to France’s continued cooperation with its former territories—would allow Greenland to maintain valuable connections while progressing toward its chosen political status. Denmark could continue playing an advisory role in areas such as healthcare, education, and governance while Greenland’s autonomy expands under a new framework.

By prioritizing respect, partnership, and choice, this model ensures that any potential integration is not only legal and strategic but also ethical and desirable. Great nations do not expand by coercion but through mutual agreement, shared interests, and the respect for self-determination. This framework offers Greenland a clear and democratic pathway forward, one that protects its sovereignty while opening new opportunities for economic growth and geopolitical stability.

Economic Development & Resource Management: Unlocking Greenland’s Potential

Greenland’s potential integration into the United States is not just a matter of political alignment or military strategy—it is fundamentally an economic question. Despite its vast landmass, which exceeds that of Mexico, and its rich natural resources, Greenland’s small population of fewer than 60,000 has struggled to build a self-sustaining economy. Geographic isolation, harsh climate conditions, and inadequate infrastructure have hindered large-scale development. For integration to be an attractive prospect for Greenlanders, Washington must demonstrate a commitment to broad-based economic prosperity, ensuring that economic benefits are felt directly by the people rather than limited to foreign investors or centralized bureaucracies.⁵

The Greenland Permanent Fund: Direct Economic Benefits for Citizens

A key pillar of economic development must be ensuring that Greenlanders directly benefit from the island’s resource wealth. One of the most successful models for resource-based economic growth in the United States is the Alaska Permanent Fund, which distributes dividends from oil revenues directly to Alaskan residents. Greenland should establish its own Greenland Permanent Fund, modeled after Alaska’s, to ensure that a portion of revenues from resource extraction—whether from hydrocarbons, rare earth elements, fisheries, or future energy exports—flows directly into the pockets of Greenlandic citizens.⁶

This system has proven highly effective in Alaska, where residents receive annual dividend payments, creating a direct financial stake in the success of their economy. A Greenland Permanent Fund would provide similar financial security, helping mitigate economic disparities and ensuring that Greenlanders, not just corporations or government entities, share in the prosperity generated by their homeland’s natural wealth.

While Guam and Puerto Rico provide useful legal comparisons as US territories, Alaska’s economic model offers a practical blueprint for resource management. However, Greenland’s approach must be tailored to its unique environment, focusing on sustainable development and preventing the pitfalls of overreliance on resource extraction.

Infrastructure Development: Building the Foundations of a Modern Economy

Resource wealth alone is insufficient to build a thriving, diversified economy. Modern infrastructure is the linchpin of sustainable development, and Greenland’s current infrastructure is inadequate for long-term economic growth. Addressing these deficiencies will require a USD 20–30 billion Greenland Development Initiative focused on modernizing key sectors:

• Airports & Transportation: Expanding and upgrading Greenland’s airports will facilitate increased tourism, trade, and logistics operations. Establishing regional air hubs and improving inter-settlement transportation will reduce Greenland’s isolation and enable smoother mobility of people and goods.

• Seaports & Arctic Shipping: The development of deep-water ports will allow Greenland to capitalize on its strategic location along emerging Arctic trade routes. These ports will enable year-round shipping, positioning Greenland as a critical hub for international commerce in the Arctic.

• Road Networks: Unlike most regions, Greenland lacks a comprehensive road network between settlements. Strategic road construction, particularly in high-density areas, will foster internal trade, improve connectivity, and support economic diversification.

• Digital Infrastructure: Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for modern economies. Investing in fiber-optic cables, satellite internet systems, and 5G networks will bridge Greenland’s digital divide, enabling remote work, e-commerce, and new digital industries such as Arctic research and virtual tourism.⁷

Renewable Energy: Greenland’s Path to Energy Independence & Economic Growth

Currently, Greenland relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. However, Greenland possesses enormous potential for renewable energy development—hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power are all viable options given its geography.

The United States should invest in large-scale renewable energy projects, positioning Greenland as a self-sufficient energy producer and a potential exporter of clean energy to North America and Europe. Key initiatives should include:

• Hydroelectric Power Expansion: Greenland already generates some hydropower, but scaling up hydroelectric projects can provide stable, low-cost energy for domestic use and industrial development. Excess energy can be exported or used to power new industries.

• Wind & Geothermal Energy Development: Greenland’s strong wind currents and volcanic activity make it an ideal location for wind and geothermal energy projects. These renewable sources can further reduce dependence on imported fuels while creating green jobs.

• Hydrogen Production & Energy Storage: With abundant renewable energy, Greenland could become a hub for green hydrogen production, a growing sector that aligns with global clean energy goals. Developing hydrogen fuel cells and energy storage solutions would create a new high-tech industry, supporting long-term economic stability.

Special Economic Zones & Sustainable Tourism

To attract private investment and foster innovation, Greenland should establish special economic zones (SEZ) offering targeted tax incentives and streamlined regulations for industries such as:

• Sustainable Tourism: Greenland’s pristine Arctic environment, wildlife, and indigenous culture make it an untapped frontier for high-end adventure tourism. By developing eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, Greenland can emulate the success of Iceland and Alaska, drawing global visitors while maintaining environmental conservation.⁸

• Fisheries & Marine Industries: Greenland’s fisheries are one of its most valuable natural resources. Sustainable fisheries management, advanced processing facilities, and international seafood export partnerships will ensure long-term profitability.⁹

• Arctic Research & Innovation: Greenland’s unique Arctic conditions make it an ideal base for climate science, polar research, and cold-weather technology development. SEZs dedicated to Arctic research would attract investment from universities, tech companies, and governments worldwide.

Workforce Training & Education: Empowering Greenlanders for the Future

Economic development must go hand in hand with education and workforce training. Integration with the United States would grant Greenlanders access to top-tier universities, technical institutes, and vocational training programs in fields such as:

• Arctic Engineering & Infrastructure Development

• Marine Biology & Fisheries Management

• Renewable Energy & Environmental Sciences

• Tourism & Hospitality Management

• Technology & Digital Entrepreneurship

To ensure Greenlanders are active participants in their economic transformation, the United States should invest in scholarship programs, vocational apprenticeships, and technical training centers, equipping the local population with the skills needed for emerging industries.

A Long-Term Commitment to Shared Prosperity

Greenland’s economic future is an untapped opportunity, not an insurmountable challenge. With the right investments, it can transition from an underdeveloped Arctic outpost to a thriving economic and strategic hub. However, this requires a long-term commitment to sustainable growth, not just resource extraction.

By applying the lessons of Alaska—ensuring resource wealth benefits residents, modernizing infrastructure, expanding renewable energy, and investing in workforce development—Washington can demonstrate that integration is not merely a political maneuver but a pathway to shared prosperity. If done right, Greenland’s transition could become a model for sustainable Arctic development, benefiting both Greenlanders and the United States for generations to come.

Strategic & Defense Considerations: Securing the Arctic Frontier

Greenland’s integration into the United States is not merely an economic or political proposition—it is a strategic imperative. The Arctic is rapidly becoming a new frontier of geopolitical competition, with China and Russia aggressively expanding their presence in the region. Russia has undertaken a massive military buildup, reopening Soviet-era bases, deploying advanced weapons systems, and increasing Arctic naval patrols. Meanwhile, China has sought to establish itself as a “near-Arctic state” through economic entrenchment, infrastructure projects, and investments in Greenland’s critical mineral sector.¹⁰

If the United States fails to act decisively, Greenland risks becoming a flashpoint where American strategic interests are undermined by foreign influence. Integration into the US framework would secure Greenland’s alignment with the West, ensuring its sovereignty while enhancing Arctic defense capabilities and protecting critical resources from adversarial control.

Building Greenland’s Own Security Capabilities

A key element of Greenland’s long-term security must be the establishment of a Greenlandic National Guard and Coast Guard, modeled after the Alaska National Guard and the US Coast Guard’s Arctic operations.¹¹ While the US military would remain the ultimate guarantor of Greenland’s security, a locally trained force would provide Greenlanders with direct control over their defense, disaster response, and maritime security.

The roles and responsibilities of the Greenlandic National Guard and Coast Guard would include:

• Coastal Surveillance & Maritime Security: Monitoring Greenland’s vast coastline for illegal fishing, smuggling, and unauthorized foreign activity;

• Search-and-Rescue Operations: Conducting Arctic search-and-rescue missions for distressed vessels, lost expeditions, and aviation incidents;

• Disaster Relief & Environmental Protection: Responding to natural disasters, oil spills, and maritime accidents to protect Greenland’s fragile environment; and

• Arctic Warfare & Cold-Weather Operations: Training in extreme climate conditions, similar to the Alaska National Guard’s Arctic specialists, to ensure readiness for emergencies or security threats.

Recruitment would focus on Greenlandic youth, providing stable, well-paying jobs and fostering national pride and self-reliance. Training and equipping this force would be a joint effort between the US military, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Guard Bureau, ensuring that Greenland’s security remains a shared responsibility rather than an externally imposed structure.

This initiative would strengthen local employment opportunities while enhancing Arctic security, ensuring that Greenlanders have the tools to safeguard their own communities.¹²

US Military Expansion and Arctic Defense Modernization

Beyond local security forces, the United States must expand its military presence in Greenland, recognizing the island’s growing strategic importance in Arctic defense. The cornerstone of this effort should be the expansion of Pituffik Space Base, America’s northernmost military installation. Currently focused on space surveillance and missile warning systems, Pituffik should be modernized and expanded into a full-spectrum Arctic defense hub, incorporating new capabilities such as:

• Early-Warning Missile Defense Systems: Enhancing deterrence against Russia’s expanding Arctic military footprint and reinforcing NORAD’s missile warning capabilities.

• Arctic-Specialized Rapid Deployment Forces: Establishing a permanent rotational presence of Arctic-trained US forces, ready to respond to emergencies, security threats, or geopolitical crises in the region.

• Advanced Research Centers for Arctic Defense: Developing cold-weather military logistics, next-generation icebreaker fleets, and climate resilience strategies to improve operational effectiveness in extreme Arctic conditions.

Expanding Pituffik would bolster NATO’s northern defense posture, create high-skilled jobs for Greenlanders, and deter adversarial encroachment into Greenlandic territory. Additionally, collaborating with local scientists and engineers in Arctic research would ensure that the base’s economic benefits extend beyond military personnel, fostering a strategic and scientific partnership.

Countering Foreign Influence and Securing Critical Minerals

One of Greenland’s greatest strategic vulnerabilities lies in its vast reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth elements essential for modern defense, aerospace, and technology industries.¹³ China currently dominates the global supply chain for these minerals, and it has already attempted to gain a foothold in Greenland’s mining sector—a clear attempt to secure influence over a resource essential to Western technological and military superiority. Left unchecked, Chinese economic encroachment in Greenland could create dangerous dependencies, undermining American and Greenlandic sovereignty alike.¹⁴

To block foreign adversarial influence and ensure responsible resource development, the United States should:

• Establish a Strategic Investment Fund for Greenlandic Mining: Ensure that mineral extraction operations are controlled by U.S., Greenlandic, and allied companies rather than foreign state-owned enterprises;

• Develop Local Processing & Refinement Facilities: Partner with American and European technology firms to build rare earth processing plants in Greenland, eliminating the need to export raw materials to China for refinement; and

• Enforce Strict Regulatory Oversight: Prevent environmental degradation, ensure responsible labor practices, and guarantee that a fair share of revenues benefits Greenland’s economy instead of flowing to foreign entities.

By integrating Greenland into the US economic and security framework, Washington would prevent adversarial nations from exploiting Greenland’s resources, while ensuring that mineral wealth is developed ethically and strategically.

The Geopolitical Imperative: An Arctic Future Secured

Integrating Greenland into the US security umbrella is not simply a matter of military expansion or economic gain—it is about preserving the strategic integrity of the Arctic in an era of rising global competition. Russia’s Arctic militarization and China’s creeping influence make it clear: Greenland’s geostrategic importance will only grow in the coming decades. The United States has a narrow window of opportunity to solidify its position and ensure that Greenland remains aligned with the West.

By investing in local security forces, expanding military infrastructure, and blocking foreign influence in Greenland’s critical mineral sector, the United States would not only secure its Arctic frontier but also empower Greenlanders to take an active role in their own defense and economic future. This is a vision not of exploitation, but of partnership—one where Greenland’s security, sovereignty, and prosperity are directly tied to its role as a key US ally in the Arctic. The message to adversaries must be clear: Greenland is not up for grabs, and its future will be determined by those who respect its sovereignty—not those who seek to undermine it.

Population & Migration Policies: Empowering Greenlanders Through Choice and Opportunity

Any serious proposal for Greenland’s integration into the United States must place the welfare, agency, and future prosperity of Greenlanders at the forefront. The transition from Danish rule to US governance would bring profound changes, both in terms of governance and economic opportunities. Some Greenlanders may wish to remain in their homeland, taking advantage of the investments in infrastructure and modernization that integration would bring. Others may seek to relocate to the US mainland in pursuit of broader educational and economic opportunities. Respecting this diversity of aspirations requires a policy framework that prioritizes voluntary choice, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation.

Voluntary Relocation: A Path to Greater Opportunity

Any serious proposal for Greenland’s integration into the United States must place the welfare, agency, and future prosperity of Greenlanders at the forefront. The transition from Danish rule to US governance would bring profound changes, both in terms of administration and economic opportunities. Some Greenlanders may wish to remain in their homeland, benefiting from infrastructure investments and modernization, while others may seek to relocate to the US mainland in pursuit of broader educational and professional prospects. Respecting this diversity of aspirations requires a policy framework that prioritizes voluntary choice, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation.

Voluntary Relocation: A Path to Greater Opportunity

For Greenlanders who choose to relocate to the United States, a structured, well-funded resettlement program would be essential. Learning from past models—both their successes and pitfalls—such as federal relocation programs for Native Alaskans and Pacific Islanders in US territories, Greenlanders would be offered comprehensive support, including financial incentives, housing assistance, and expedited residency status. This policy would ensure that relocation is an informed and voluntary decision rather than an economic necessity.

A voluntary relocation program should provide direct grants covering travel, housing, and initial living expenses for families establishing themselves in the continental United States. Upon integration, Greenlanders would automatically receive US citizenship, granting them full legal protections, access to federal benefits, and unrestricted movement within the country. Job placement programs would assist Greenlanders in finding employment, particularly in industries facing labor shortages such as healthcare, engineering, Arctic research, and sustainable energy development. Recognizing the importance of community support, the United States should establish Greenlandic Cultural Centers in metropolitan areas with significant migrant populations—such as Seattle, Anchorage, and Boston—offering language assistance, cultural preservation programs, and social services to help Greenlanders maintain ties to their heritage while adapting to life in the mainland United States.¹⁵

Building a Modern Arctic Capital: The Transformation of Nuuk

For those who remain in Greenland, the island must be transformed from an underdeveloped Arctic outpost into a modern, thriving capital. Nuuk, Greenland’s largest city, should be at the heart of this vision—developed into an economic, social, and cultural hub that is competitive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in Greenlandic identity.

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Figure 2. A picturesque view of Nuuk, Greenland, showcasing colorful houses against a backdrop of clear blue waters and rugged hills. (Source: NASA photo by Mike Toillion)

Investments in housing would be a top priority, ensuring that all Greenlanders have access to modern, energy-efficient homes built to withstand Arctic conditions. These developments should incorporate traditional Greenlandic architectural influences, blending modern convenience with cultural continuity. Expanding healthcare and education infrastructure would also be critical, with new hospitals, universities, and research institutions allowing Greenlanders to receive high-quality medical care and education without needing to travel abroad.

Additionally, Nuuk should experience a commercial and cultural renaissance, with investments in local businesses, arts, and tourism infrastructure. By fostering a vibrant commercial sector, Nuuk could attract international research partnerships, sustainable tourism, and Arctic commerce, turning the city into a focal point for economic and intellectual development in the region. These changes would not only improve quality of life but also create an attractive urban environment capable of drawing talent and investment.

Preserving Indigenous Rights & Traditional Land Use

Greenland is home to an Indigenous Inuit population with deep cultural and historical ties to the land. Any successful integration effort must ensure the protection of Indigenous rights and traditional land use, drawing on lessons from US policies in Alaska. The United States should commit to preserving Greenlandic hunting, fishing, and land-use traditions, modeling protections after the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and other Indigenous rights frameworks.

Key protections should include guaranteed subsistence hunting and fishing rights, ensuring that traditional ways of life remain viable even amid economic modernization. Indigenous communities must retain land ownership rights to prevent mass land sales or resource exploitation that could lead to disenfranchisement. Furthermore, the United States should recognize and support Greenlandic self-governance institutions, allowing Indigenous leadership to maintain control over cultural, educational, and land-use policies. By embedding these protections into law, economic development can proceed without sacrificing the cultural and environmental heritage of Greenland’s Indigenous population.

A Future Defined by Choice, Not Coercion

Greenland’s future should not be dictated by Washington or Copenhagen but shaped by the choices of its own people. A voluntary migration policy, the transformation of Nuuk into a modern capital, and the protection of Indigenous rights would provide Greenlanders with a compelling vision of prosperity while ensuring they remain the architects of their own destiny. Some may choose to build new lives in the mainland United States, contributing to its economy and society, while others will stay and shape Greenland into a self-sufficient, modern Arctic nation.

Integration should not be a process of assimilation, but of empowerment—one in which Greenlanders are given the resources, opportunities, and protections necessary to thrive in the twenty-first century. By offering both mobility and rootedness, modernization and tradition, security and self-governance, the United States can demonstrate that its vision for Greenland is not one of colonial acquisition, but of partnership and mutual prosperity.

Diplomatic & International Considerations: A Global Framework for a Historic Transition

Integrating Greenland into the United States is not simply a matter of domestic policy—it is a diplomatic balancing act requiring careful negotiations with Denmark, NATO allies, and the broader international community. Without a well-crafted diplomatic strategy, even the most well-intentioned efforts could be perceived as an act of neocolonialism or geopolitical opportunism rather than a genuine partnership for mutual benefit. To ensure a smooth and legitimate transition, the United States must undertake a multilateral approach, engaging Denmark, NATO partners, and international institutions in a way that preserves stability, strengthens alliances, and upholds international law.

A US–Denmark Partnership Agreement: Ensuring an Orderly Transition

Greenland’s current status as an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty means that any transition must begin with a comprehensive and amicable agreement with Denmark. A well-structured US–Denmark Partnership Agreement would ensure that Denmark’s interests are respected, prevent diplomatic fallout, and provide a roadmap for a smooth transfer of governance. This agreement should address financial, cultural, and administrative aspects of the transition, ensuring that Denmark remains a close partner in Greenland’s future rather than an estranged former sovereign.

A critical component of this agreement should be financial compensation for Denmark, recognizing the investments that Copenhagen has made in Greenland’s infrastructure and public services over the years. This could take the form of a lump-sum payment or a long-term financial package to support Denmark’s economic transition after Greenland’s departure.¹⁶ Additionally, maintaining strong cultural and educational ties will be essential. Danish universities could establish educational partnerships with Greenlandic institutions, and Greenlanders should continue to have access to Danish-language education and scholarships. To prevent administrative and economic instability, the transition should be gradual, with Denmark retaining an advisory role over a 10–15-year period to assist with governance and economic adjustments. By structuring the transition as a diplomatic success rather than a loss for Denmark, the United States can maintain a strong alliance while ensuring Greenland’s seamless integration.

NATO Coordination: Strengthening Arctic Security

Greenland’s integration into the United States would have significant ramifications for NATO’s Arctic defense posture. Given the growing strategic competition in the Arctic, particularly from Russia’s military expansion and China’s economic encroachment, Greenland’s shift from Danish to US control would require a recalibration of NATO’s Arctic strategy. Ensuring that this transition strengthens, rather than disrupts, Arctic security requires a coordinated approach with NATO allies.

The United States must reaffirm NATO’s role in Arctic defense, ensuring that Denmark and other NATO allies remain fully engaged in Arctic security discussions even after Greenland’s transition. Coordination with key Arctic NATO members, particularly Canada and Norway, will be critical to aligning defense policies on infrastructure, maritime security, and intelligence-sharing. Expanding NATO’s Arctic presence through Greenland as a strategic hub would enhance deterrence capabilities while maintaining transparency with allies to avoid perceptions of unilateralism.¹⁷ By working collaboratively within NATO, the United States can ensure that Greenland’s integration enhances regional security without alienating its allies.

UN Oversight & International Legitimacy

To preempt accusations of territorial expansionism, the United States must ensure that Greenland’s integration is recognized as lawful, voluntary, and in accordance with international norms. The best way to accomplish this is through engagement with the United Nations and other international bodies, reinforcing that Greenland’s transition is a legitimate expression of self-determination rather than an imposed geopolitical maneuver.

Formal UN oversight of Greenland’s referendum is crucial, allowing international observers to verify that any vote on US integration is conducted fairly, freely, and without coercion. Consultation with the UN Special Committee on Decolonization can help ensure that Greenland’s transition is framed as an act of self-determination, rather than an extension of US influence. Additionally, engagement with the Arctic Council, including Indigenous groups, environmental organizations, and Arctic states, will be vital in securing broad international recognition of the transition’s legitimacy.

By securing international approval and reinforcing democratic principles, the United States would neutralize opposition from adversarial nations while demonstrating its commitment to responsible governance and global stability.

A Diplomatic Triumph, Not a Controversy

Handled correctly, Greenland’s integration into the United States could be a case study in responsible diplomacy—a model for how nations can peacefully and lawfully reshape their political boundaries in the twenty-first century. By partnering with Denmark, coordinating with NATO, and engaging international organizations, the United States would ensure that Greenland’s transition is not only geopolitically advantageous but also widely accepted as a legitimate and voluntary process.

This is not about the United States acquiring territory through economic or military coercion—it is about offering Greenlanders a future of prosperity, security, and self-determination while preserving strong alliances and upholding the principles of international law. The message to the world should be clear: Greenland’s future is not dictated by geopolitical ambition but by the will of its people, supported by a coalition of responsible democratic nations.

Conclusion: A Vision for Greenland’s Future in the American Fold

Greenland’s potential integration into the United States represents more than a mere territorial expansion—it is an opportunity to forge a model of voluntary, prosperous, and strategic partnership in the Arctic. If approached with foresight, diplomacy, and a commitment to self-determination, this transition could mark one of the most successful political realignments of the twenty-first century, setting a precedent for ethical, cooperative, and mutually beneficial governance.

At its core, this proposal is not about annexation, coercion, or imperial ambition—it is about offering Greenlanders a clear, compelling, and pragmatic choice. The framework outlined here ensures that Greenland’s people will have agency over their future, tangible economic benefits, and guarantees of cultural preservation. Unlike past territorial acquisitions marred by paternalism or neglect, Greenland’s integration into the United States must be a partnership based on respect, investment, and strategic vision.

A Blueprint for Mutual Prosperity

Each pillar of this proposal works in concert to create a comprehensive and sustainable roadmap for integration:

1. A Political & Legal Framework that respects Greenland’s autonomy while providing a structured path toward statehood, ensuring democratic legitimacy through a future referendum.

2. Economic Development & Resource Management that unlocks Greenland’s vast natural wealth while sharing profits equitably with its citizens, improving infrastructure, and investing in sustainable industries such as renewable energy.

3. Strategic & Defense Considerations that bolster both Greenlandic and US security, preventing foreign encroachment while ensuring Greenlanders take an active role in their own defense.

4. Population & Migration Policies that offer Greenlanders the freedom to choose their future—whether it be through resettlement in the US mainland with strong financial and cultural support, or by staying in a newly modernized, thriving Nuuk.

5. Diplomatic & International Coordination that preserves America’s alliances, reassures NATO partners, respects Danish interests, and secures UN recognition for the transition, ensuring legitimacy and stability.

Greenland as the Gateway to a Twenty-first–Century Arctic

In an era of renewed great-power competition, climate-driven resource shifts, and increasing strategic focus on the Arctic, Greenland’s integration into the United States would provide a geopolitical advantage unmatched by any other development in the region. China and Russia have already recognized the Arctic’s growing importance—the United States must do the same, but in a manner that prioritizes partnership over exploitation, investment over militarization, and self-determination over dominance.

The Arctic of the future will not be merely an icy frontier—it will be a global economic corridor, a security flashpoint, and an environmental battleground. By integrating Greenland on Greenlandic terms, the United States can set the stage for responsible Arctic leadership, ensuring that this critical region is governed by democratic principles, economic opportunity, and strategic stability.

A Call to Leadership and Vision

History will remember whether the United States seizes this moment or allows it to slip away. The integration of Greenland presents a generational opportunity to affirm America’s commitment to democratic choice, economic innovation, and strategic wisdom. It is a chance to demonstrate that expansion can be a partnership, that progress can be inclusive, and that the Arctic can be secured through alliances rather than conflict.

The time for bold, diplomatic leadership is now. Greenland’s future should not be dictated by external pressures but shaped by the will of its people—with the United States as a committed and responsible partner. By acting decisively yet responsibly, Washington can ensure that Greenland does not simply become America’s next state—but its gateway to a twenty-first–century Arctic renaissance, defined by security, sustainability, and shared success. ♦

Dr. Ernest Gunasekara-Rockwell

Dr. Gunasekara-Rockwell is the editor-in-chief of this journal, a peer-reviewed academic journal published by Air University Press. His scholarship encompasses a broad spectrum of global security issues, with a focus on geopolitical dynamics and strategic affairs. Dr. Gunasekara-Rockwell frequently guest lectures at the US Foreign Service Institute, the US Air Force Special Operations School, and other institutions of higher education, sharing his expertise on international relations and security strategy. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin.

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