Foreign Policy Live Why Greenland Matters
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Jan 26, 2026 
Heather A. Conley, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Arctic policy expert, explains why Greenland matters for sea lanes, missile warning and submarine surveillance. She contrasts Russian military moves and China’s dual-use Arctic presence. She outlines U.S. policy gaps, the role of allies and NATO, and the long timelines for Arctic resources and infrastructure.
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Greenland's Strategic Geography
- Greenland's value is primarily geographic: it's a gateway to the North Atlantic and the Arctic.
- Its location enabled wartime air refueling, early-warning missile detection, and submarine surveillance.
Different Russian And Chinese Arctic Roles
- Russia is rebuilding Cold War capabilities in its Arctic with bases, submarines, and new missiles.
- China focuses on science and dual-use commercial activity that could support longer-term naval and seabed aims.
Postwar Purchase Offer And 1951 Pact
- The U.S. offered to buy Greenland in 1946 and was politely refused by Denmark and Greenland.
- The 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense pact then enabled a large U.S. military posture there during the Cold War.