torsdag 9. januar 2025

Greenland’s Pursuit Of Independence: Implications For China-Greenland Relations And Arctic Resource Management

Recognized as an Arctic country, the autonomous country of Greenland has been a part of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1721. However, Denmark is only a part of the Arctic through Greenland and has created policies for Greenland in the past. Greenland’s new Foreign, Security, and Defense Strategy for 2024 – 2033, titled ‘Greenland in the World – Nothing about us without us,’ is not only a way to update policies, but also a way for Greenland to be more independent. 

In shifting away from Denmark, Greenland hopes to pursue greater independence, as well as take control over its resources and decision-making processes. This transition raises questions about the potential impact on resource management in Greenland, particularly considering the interest from external actors like China in resource exploration.

Over the past two decades, Greenland’s movement toward independence has intensified. However, Greenland’s independence has been seen as likely for a long time. In 1953, an amendment to the Danish constitution incorporated Greenland as a province of Denmark. Subsequently, in 1979, Greenland was granted home rule, a governance structure where certain functions, such as colonial power, are devolved and institutionalized locally by the colonized nation. The Home Rule Act allowed Greenland to be included in the Danish Realm.