I. GREENLAND & THE ARCTIC

Resources, self-government, Denmark, America and the future of Greenland

Greenland is receiving unprecedented international attention. Its natural resources, strategic location and relationship with Denmark and the United States have suddenly become matters of global interest.

But what does all this mean for Greenland itself?

Drawing on more than four decades of research, teaching and consultancy—including many years working and living in Greenland—this presentation looks beyond the headlines to explain Greenland's economy and economic development, Home Rule and self-government, its relationship with Denmark, its growing international importance and the possible paths ahead.

An important part of this story is Greenland's changing economic relationship with Denmark. Greenland remains dependent on substantial financial transfers from the Danish state, particularly through the annual Block Grant and other state transfers. At the same time, however, the relative importance of these transfers has been declining as Greenland's own economy has grown. Greenland is generating an increasing share of its own value added, measured by Gross Domestic Product.

This raises an important question: Is Greenland gradually moving from economic dependency towards greater economic self-reliance—and what would that mean for its future?

The presentation explores

• What makes Greenland economically and strategically important?
• How dependent is Greenland on Denmark—and how realistic is greater economic self-reliance?
• How has Greenland's own economic activity and value creation developed?
• What role could Greenland's natural resources play in global food security and energy security?
• What does Home Rule and self-government actually mean in economic and political terms?
• Why has Greenland become increasingly important to the United States and other major powers?
• What opportunities and challenges does the new international attention create for Greenland?
• Can natural resources provide a stronger economic foundation for Greenland—or could they create new forms of dependency?
• What might Greenland's future relationship with Denmark look like?
• And ultimately, what kind of Greenland do Greenlanders themselves want to build?

Greenland: Economy, Democracy and Power

Economic development, political autonomy and decision-making in Greenland

Greenland's economic and political development cannot be understood separately. Questions of economic dependency, self-government, ownership, public institutions and political power are closely connected.

This briefing examines how Greenland's economy interacts with its democratic institutions and its continuing development toward greater political autonomy.

The presentation explores

• How does economic dependency affect political self-government?
• Who makes important economic decisions in Greenland?
• How do ownership and economic power influence democracy?
• What role do public institutions and organized interests play?
• How can economic capacity support greater political autonomy?

Natural Resources, Megaprojects and Structural Change in the Arctic

Mining, energy, investment and the transformation of northern economies

Large-scale mining, energy and infrastructure projects can transform small northern economies. They can create investment, employment and infrastructure while also producing pressures on labor markets, public services, local businesses and existing economic activities.

This presentation examines the opportunities and risks of megaprojects and resource development and asks how northern societies can maximize lasting local benefits.

The presentation explores

• How do megaprojects change small economies?
• Who owns and controls resource development?
• How much local employment and value creation can major projects generate?
• What happens when outside capital and expertise dominate?
• How can local skills, businesses and ownership be strengthened?