March 16, 2026, 3:02 am
When Donald Trump claimed the US ‘needs’ Greenland, it sounded like a bluster – but the world’s largest island is now at the centre of a serious geopolitical contest. As interest in the Arctic intensifies, Greenland’s strategic location, resources, and history have made it newly important. Geopolitical expert Dr Elizabeth Buchanan joins us to explain why Greenland matters now, and what its future could look like.
Dr. Buchanan will delve into Greenland’s strategic significance, from its vast untapped rare earth minerals—critical for green energy transitions—to its role in emerging Arctic shipping routes. Highlighting recent developments, including the U.S. 2026 National Defense Strategy’s emphasis on securing military and commercial access to the island, she’ll explore tensions with Denmark, China’s investments and Russia’s militarization of the Arctic. Indigenous Inuit perspectives on independence and environmental impacts will also be addressed, amid rising concerns over foreign influence and ecological fragility. Greenland could reshape global alliances with implications for the U.S.-Australia partnership.
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
