Greenland in Arctic Security: (De)securitization Dynamics under Climatic Thaw and Geopolitical Freeze

Greenland's role in Arctic security has been poorly understood, but a new book provides comprehensive overviews of how security dynamics unfold in and in relation to the country. It offers perspectives on hard and soft security questions, climate change effects, and geopolitics and securitization theory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 382 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Greenland, a land of immense beauty and strategic importance, has long captivated the world's imagination. However, despite its centrality to the Arctic region, its role in global security has often been misunderstood. In Greenland in Arctic Security, a comprehensive and thought-provoking book, authors delve into the intricate dynamics of security in and around Greenland, exploring a wide range of discourses and dynamics related to hard and soft security questions. These discourses range from the interests of great powers in geostrategic infrastructure to domestic debates centered on promoting and protecting Greenland's identity when engaging with the outside world. Additionally, the book offers valuable perspectives on other security questions that have been shaped by the effects of climate change. By bringing together these diverse analyses, Greenland in Arctic Security offers fresh and theoretically informed discussions on how security politics can unfold across different scales and territorial borders. At times, these politics can have unintended consequences that extend beyond their initial intent. With geopolitics and securitization theory currently at the forefront of political and academic debates, this book provides timely insights for readers.
Greenland's strategic location in the Arctic region has made it a focal point for international security concerns. Its proximity to the North Pole and the Arctic Circle, as well as its vast expanse of land and resources, have made it a strategic asset for many countries. However, Greenland's role in global security has been complex and multifaceted, with different actors and interests vying for influence.
One of the key challenges facing Greenland's security is the impact of climate change. The melting of ice sheets and glaciers has led to rising sea levels, which pose a threat to coastal communities and infrastructure. This has also led to increased competition for resources, such as fish and minerals, which are vital for Greenland's economy. In addition, climate change has contributed to the emergence of new security threats, such as the spread of infectious diseases and the disruption of traditional livelihoods.
To address these challenges, Greenland has taken steps to promote its security. It has signed international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, and has implemented policies to reduce its carbon footprint. It has also established a national security council to coordinate its security efforts and has worked to strengthen its relations with other countries in the Arctic region.
However, Greenland's security is also influenced by its relationship with Denmark. Denmark is a member of the European Union and has a significant influence on Greenland's foreign policy. This has led to some tensions between Greenland and Denmark, particularly over issues such as immigration and the use of natural resources.
In addition to its relationship with Denmark, Greenland's security is also influenced by its relationship with the United States. The United States is a major military power and has a significant presence in the Arctic region. Greenland has been a key partner in the United States' efforts to promote security in the region, particularly through the deployment of military assets.
Despite these challenges, Greenland has a strong foundation for security. It has a well-trained and equipped military, and it has a strong economy. It has also developed a strong sense of identity and has worked to promote its culture and language.
However, Greenland's security is not without its risks. The country is vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and it has a limited capacity to respond to natural disasters. In addition, Greenland's remote location can make it difficult for emergency services to reach affected areas.
To address these risks, Greenland has implemented a number of security measures. It has established a national emergency management agency, and it has worked to improve its emergency response capabilities. It has also established a national security council to coordinate its security efforts and has worked to strengthen its relations with other countries in the Arctic region.
In conclusion, Greenland's role in global security has been complex and multifaceted. While it has a strong foundation for security, it is also vulnerable to a range of security threats. By taking steps to promote its security, Greenland can help to ensure that it remains a safe and prosperous place for its residents and for the world.
Greenland's strategic location in the Arctic region has made it a focal point for international security concerns. Its proximity to the North Pole and the Arctic Circle, as well as its vast expanse of land and resources, have made it a strategic asset for many countries. However, Greenland's role in global security has been complex and multifaceted, with different actors and interests vying for influence.

One of the key challenges facing Greenland's security is the impact of climate change. The melting of ice sheets and glaciers has led to rising sea levels, which pose a threat to coastal communities and infrastructure. This has also led to increased competition for resources, such as fish and minerals, which are vital for Greenland's economy. In addition, climate change has contributed to the emergence of new security threats, such as the spread of infectious diseases and the disruption of traditional livelihoods.

To address these challenges, Greenland has taken steps to promote its security. It has signed international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, and has implemented policies to reduce its carbon footprint. It has also established a national security council to coordinate its security efforts and has worked to strengthen its relations with other countries in the Arctic region.

However, Greenland's security is also influenced by its relationship with Denmark. Denmark is a member of the European Union and has a significant influence on Greenland's foreign policy. This has led to some tensions between Greenland and Denmark, particularly over issues such as immigration and the use of natural resources.

In addition to its relationship with Denmark, Greenland's security is also influenced by its relationship with the United States. The United States is a major military power and has a significant presence in the Arctic region. Greenland has been a key partner in the United States' efforts to promote security in the region, particularly through the deployment of military assets.

Despite these challenges, Greenland has a strong foundation for security. It has a well-trained and equipped military, and it has a strong economy. It has also developed a strong sense of identity and has worked to promote its culture and language.

However, Greenland's security is not without its risks. The country is vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and it has a limited capacity to respond to natural disasters. In addition, Greenland's remote location can make it difficult for emergency services to reach affected areas.

To address these risks, Greenland has implemented a number of security measures. It has established a national emergency management agency, and it has worked to improve its emergency response capabilities. It has also established a national security council to coordinate its security efforts and has worked to strengthen its relations with other countries in the Arctic region.

In conclusion, Greenland's role in global security has been complex and multifaceted. While it has a strong foundation for security, it is also vulnerable to a range of security threats. By taking steps to promote its security, Greenland can help to ensure that it remains a safe and prosperous place for its residents and for the world.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472076703