The Trump administration is determined to own Greenland, arguing that Denmark and Greenland cannot adequately protect the island from Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic. A 1951 treaty already gives the U.S. extensive military access to Greenland, leading experts to call Trump's acquisition campaign “befuddling” since the U.S. can accomplish virtually any strategic aim without ownership.

Denmark has historically been highly cooperative with U.S. military interests in Greenland, from World War II through the construction of Thule Air Base and other projects, making formal acquisition legally and ethically complicated while offering little additional strategic benefit.

“Simply stating that the United States is very concerned about Arctic security and about Chinese and Russian actions and would like to increase our military presence there...I think it would happen,” says Michael Williams, associate professor of public administration and international affairs. “Denmark has been one of—if not the—most loyal allies in NATO.”

Read more in the Christian Science Monitor article, “Does the US need to own Greenland to be secure? History suggests not.”