Greenland is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and is seeking independence in the long term. Many residents strongly reject integration into the US or political dominance by Washington. Denmark’s head of government warns that an attack by the US on another NATO country would call the post-war order into question.
Although the United States has maintained a military base on the island for decades, this is apparently not enough for Trump. He has repeatedly laid claim to Greenland, citing national security concerns. In reality, however, economic interests are at the forefront: Greenland has significant deposits of rare earths, which are indispensable for high-tech products, the energy transition, and the arms industry—and are becoming increasingly strategic in global competition.
Laif photographer Jan Richard Heinicke addresses this conflict in his series on rare earths. He accompanies researchers and protesters and visits the US consulate, offering an impressive insight into the battle for these coveted raw materials and the political tensions they provoke.
