Trump and Greenland - The new rush for raw materials | DW Documentary

Ever since Donald Trump started talking about acquiring Greenland, the country has become the focus of global attention. This documentary explores the island’s history and examines its strategic importance in the 21st century. Greenland has long been more than just a barometer of climate change. But since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the world’s largest island - autonomous, yet part of Denmark -- has become a point of contention among the major powers. Why? As the ice sheets melt, the Arctic Ocean is opening up to shipping and resource extraction. Greenland is thus becoming a key strategic region between North America, Europe and Russia. Its vast mineral resources - ranging from oil and gas to gold and rare earths, which are indispensable for the energy transition and the defense industry - are turning the island into a new El Dorado. Mining companies and world powers alike are competing for a share. Since Donald Trump’s re-election, the debate has become increasingly heated. In 2019, the US President publicly suggested that Greenland could be purchased by the US and accused Denmark of failing to protect the island adequately against global threats. But what lies behind these demands? How is Europe responding to American power politics? And what role can Greenland itself play in this geopolitical power struggle - caught between economic opportunities, environmental risks and the desire for sovereignty? The documentary blends historical context with contemporary analysis: it shows why Greenland plays a key role in the global order today, what interests are at stake, and how the people of the island wish to shape their future. #documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #greenland ______ DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary. Subscribe to: ‬ ⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDocumentary ⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDocumental ⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/@dwdocarabia ⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/@dwdochindi ⮞ DW Dokumenter (Indonesian): https://www.youtube.com/@DWDokumenter ⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/@dwdoku For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610 Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/ Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G