Denmark is confronting a growing strategic dilemma as it seeks to defend Greenland amid renewed U.S. interest, even as the Arctic territory continues its long push toward independence.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said all options remain open for taking control of mineral-rich Greenland, heightening tensions ahead of talks between U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials.
While European allies have rallied behind Copenhagen, analysts warn Denmark risks spending significant diplomatic capital to protect a territory whose population increasingly favors self-rule.
Greenland has been moving toward greater autonomy since 1979, and its largest opposition party has suggested bypassing Denmark to negotiate directly with Washington.
However, losing Greenland would sharply reduce Denmark’s geopolitical relevance in the Arctic, where the territory plays a key role in U.S. missile defense and transatlantic security.
Experts say resisting U.S. pressure could come at a high diplomatic cost for Copenhagen.
