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Greenland

Cession to the United States​

A U.S. purchase of Greenland would most likely involve both the Danish government and Greenlandic authorities as parties to the transaction. Legally, Denmark holds overarching sovereignty, but Greenland's self-governing status and rights to natural resources mean a significant portion of funds or other compensation would almost certainly have to flow directly to Greenland's government and people. The exact division would be hammered out through extensive negotiations and would need the clear consent of Greenlanders themselves.

Because Greenland is an autonomous territory, determining “who gets paid” in a hypothetical sale is complicated. Different legal and political layers would come into play, potentially requiring separate agreements or legislation. Even if Denmark were the nominal seller, the elected government of Greenland would have to agree to any change in sovereignty.

Annexation or Aggressive Measures​

The Trump administration has not demonstrated a capability of either subtle or effective geopolitical relations, and might quickly find itself in a situation of not being taken seriously by the parties involved, or coming to the negotiating table with such rhetorical aggression that none of the parties involved even get past the first steps of diplomacy.

Assuming that negotiations for a purchase or exchange fail, there aren't many other good options for United States or really any other world power including China or Russia to annex Greenland by force or influence. Immediately the ire of the United Nations, NATO, and internal public opposition would turn on the United States government. Congress would either need to concede to the action and be seen as going against the values of the United States by their constituents or visibly granting those powers to the executive.

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Last updated on by Rob Carlson