The Trump administration has found itself caught up in a high-stakes game of geopolitical chess, intent on pulling Greenland into America’s embrace. A plan is being discussed that would see the U.S. extend to Greenland a type of agreement previously reserved for a handful of Pacific Island nations, as confirmed by two U.S. officials and another person privy to the discussions.
The proposal under consideration involves a Compact of Free Association (COFA) between the U.S. and Greenland. COFA agreements, which exist between the U.S. and island nations like Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, typically provide essential services from the U.S. government, ranging from mail delivery to emergency management to military protection. In return, these nations allow the U.S. military to operate freely on their soil and engage in largely duty-free trade with the U.S.
President Donald Trump, who once toyed with the idea of outright acquiring Greenland, has been pushing harder since his second term began. However, Denmark, the governing body of Greenland, has firmly rejected the notion. A COFA agreement would stop short of making Greenland part of the U.S., but it’s not the only idea under consideration. Needless to say, the logistical hurdles are many and varied.
While COFA agreements have historically been established with independent nations, Greenland would likely need to separate from Denmark for such a plan to proceed. Despite a growing interest in independence among Greenlanders, the idea of becoming part of the U.S. is less popular. A COFA, which hands significant autonomy to the U.S., might be met with similar skepticism.
The U.S.’s existing COFA agreements are seen as crucial in countering China’s growing influence in the Asia Pacific. However, they are not without their issues. Republican lawmakers have occasionally opposed elements of the budget allocated to fund COFA agreements, leading to frustrations among the dependent nations. Furthermore, a COFA provides no guarantee of immunity from influence operations by U.S. rivals.
Danish leaders have not been approached about the COFA idea and have had no substantive discussions with the White House about Greenland’s future. The U.S. administration sees Greenland as a crucial asset due to its untapped deposits of minerals with high-tech and military applications. Efforts are being made to help Greenland diversify its economy and gain greater economic independence from Denmark.
Amid geopolitical maneuvering, the people of Greenland must ultimately determine their path. The question that keeps bouncing around my mind is: “Can an elegant solution be found that addresses both Greenland’s security and the U.S.’s strategic interests, without undermining the island’s autonomy?”
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the implications are far-reaching. The path to a possible COFA agreement is just that – a journey, and one that will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges. But, remember, “Courage.” In navigating these turbulent waters, it is the courage to face the unknown that will light the way.
