Open to Debate Is U.S. Control of Limited Territory in Greenland A Strategic Necessity?
31 snips
Feb 6, 2026 
Max Boot, CFR national security columnist; Kori Schake, AEI foreign and defense policy expert; Michael Pillsbury, Heritage Foundation strategist on U.S.-China competition; Alexander B. Gray, former White House NSC aide and Arctic policy specialist. They debate U.S. territorial moves in Greenland, NATO and treaty implications, great-power competition in the Arctic, and whether pressure on allies helps or harms strategy.
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Independence Could Create A Security Gap
- Greenland's future independence could create a security gap that adversaries might exploit near U.S. sea lanes.
- Alexander B. Gray warns the U.S. must plan now for Greenland's post-independence security architecture to prevent rival influence.
Solomon Islands Comparison
- Alexander B. Gray compares Greenland to the Solomon Islands where China gained rapid influence and dual-use access.
- He uses Guadalcanal and recent Solomons examples to illustrate how quickly strategic locations can shift control.
NATO Provides Existing Security Coverage
- Greenland is currently covered by NATO through Denmark, so proponents of annexation argue no immediate need exists.
- Max Boot contends the U.S. already has access and should avoid actions that fracture NATO ties.
