The Earth is the Lord’s

Following President Donald Trump’s raid on Venezuela, he has now raised renewed interest in obtaining Greenland, bringing geopolitical theatre to the forefront.  Donald Trump has often stated that the United States was interested in acquiring Greenland, whether it be for sale or not. This, by and large, was seen as being political banter or trolling and never given any serious concern or attention.  However, this has now escalated from mere words to a serious claim that is being made to the land by America under the guise of ‘security to America’.

Because of Greenland’s location, it serves as a critical position in the Arctic, and therefore tension has increased, seeing it as central to global power competition.

Global warming has resulted in melting ice, which in turn has created new shipping routes, uncovered valuable mineral resources, and attracted military interest. For America, Greenland represents strategic penetration against Russian and Chinese influence, strengthened by the long-standing US presence at Thule Air Base. Hence, Trump’s proposal is less unconventional than it appeared, as it outlines Americans’ wider Arctic governance interest.

However, the political reality is clear. Greenland is not for sale and will not become a state or annexe of America.  Greenland is an independent territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own administration and a population of about 56,000 , who are increasingly advocating for self-government rather than outside ownership, particularly in relation to Trump’s America. In response to Trump’s proposed acquisition of Greenland, Danish officials have reacted firmly, stressing that their future would be decided in Nuuk, not Washington.

This entire incident has revealed Trump’s political views, which are seen through the lens of business: deals to be made, which excuse the normal route of diplomacy and relational maintenance. This approach may gain the support of Americans in favour of firm nationalism; on the other hand, it disaffects allies and strengthens perceptions. This approach disaffects allies and strengthens observations of American unilateralism.

Any attempt to “take” Greenland would be seen as unimaginable and legally, politically, and morally indefensible. Trump has made Greenland a frontline of 21st-century geopolitics. Greenland matters and stands in a pivotal position between Europe, China and America.

Robin Wall Kimmerer states, “The land is not a commodity to be owned; it is a gift to be shared.”

This shared land untimely belongs to the Lord, as Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Let us pray for the earth and the lands that belong to the Lord.