Context
- Recently, the United States, Denmark and Greenland signed an agreement to amend the 1951 U.S.–Denmark Defence Agreement, expanding U.S. military access in Greenland while reaffirming Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination.
Key Highlights of the Security Agreement
- Expanded U.S. Base Access: Building on the foundational 1951 U.S.-Denmark Defense Agreement, the new deal allows the U.S. to build additional military facilities at Narsarsuaq (in the south) and Mestersvig (in the east, along the Norwegian Sea), supplementing its existing presence at Pituffik Space Base.
- Third-Country Military Presence: States that are not NATO members will not be allowed to establish their own military installations or maintain a persistent military presence in Greenland, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
- Sovereignty & Self-Determination: Denmark and Greenland retain sovereignty; Greenland can pursue independence and its people would decide any future political status.
Strategic Rationale
- Arctic geopolitics: Rising Chinese and Russian activity in the Arctic, plus melting sea ice opening new shipping lanes, has increased the region’s strategic salience.
- Historical base: The 1951 U.S.–Denmark defense agreement already allowed American bases; this deal builds on and expands that framework.
Q. With reference to the geography of the Arctic and North Atlantic regions, consider the following statements:
1. Greenland is separated from Iceland by the Davis Strait.
2. The Pituffik Space Base is a strategic military installation located in Greenland.
3. Greenland is an autonomous region under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B
Detailed Explanation:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: Greenland is separated from Iceland by the Denmark Strait. The Davis Strait lies on the western side of Greenland, separating it from Baffin Island (Canada).
• Statement 2 is correct: Pituffik Space Base (formerly known as Thule Air Base) is a key strategic U.S. Space Force and military installation located in northwestern Greenland.
• Statement 3 is correct: Greenland is an autonomous, self-governing territory within the realm of the Kingdom of Denmark.