On the Record On Greenland and U.S. Strategic Interests in the Arctic
Jan 23, 2026
Heather A. Conley, a former president of the German Marshall Fund, Rebecca Pincus, an Arctic policy expert, and Geoffrey Pyatt, a former U.S. ambassador, delve into Denmark's Greenland and its strategic significance to U.S. national security. They discuss the geopolitical implications of Trump's interest in the area, including Arctic missile defense and rising threats from Russia and China. The experts also evaluate Greenland's critical minerals, the infrastructure challenges for mining, and the potential risks to NATO unity from increased tensions.
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Arctic's Strategic Importance
- The Arctic shortens strategic distances and is rising in military and economic importance for missile warning, subs, and undersea cables.
- Heather Conley warns U.S. engagement lagged but is now expanding via NATO, sensors, and domain-awareness investments.
Post–Cold War Atrophy
- Post–Cold War assumptions caused the U.S. to shrink Arctic posture and let cold-weather capabilities atrophy.
- Conley says mixed messaging — wanting more security but not joining exercises — weakens U.S. readiness.
Minerals Need Patience
- Critical-minerals focus is valid but slow: mining projects typically take a decade to reach production.
- Geoffrey Pyatt stresses partnerships and multilateral supply-chain work rather than unilateral rushes.