So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump

by Elizabeth Buchanan

An indispensable guide to Greenland—why it matters, who covets it and why this wilderness of 56,000 inhabitants could become the next global flashpoint.

Greenland is no ordinary island. From its discovery by Norsemen to its contemporary strategic significance, it has been a frontier for human exploration and empire, today emerging as a facilitator of geoeconomic competition. This book delves into the rich history and complex politics of Greenland, revealing how this icy expanse has shaped—and been shaped by—the world. 

This short history begins with the Vikings, whose mysterious disappearance from Greenland in the 1400s remains one of history’s great puzzles. It then explores the island’s gradual transformation from a Danish possession to an autonomous territory, charting its role during the World Wars and its strategic importance during the Cold War.

Greenland finds itself at the centre of a renewed ‘great game’, balancing transatlantic ties, rising Chinese influence, and mounting domestic pressures for independence. And that’s before President Trump’s agenda is factored in.

Starting from Trump’s plan to purchase Greenland, Elizabeth Buchanan dissects the island’s contemporary role and poses four provocative scenarios for its future—from full independence to an icy geopolitical standoff with Denmark. So You Want to Own Greenland? is an essential read for anyone curious about the future of this frozen frontier and its place on the global stage.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Australian polar geopolitics expert Elizabeth Buchanan with her September 2025 So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump provides a generally insightful and educational examination of what has made and continues to make Greenland (which of course is the world's largest island and is at least for now still around eighty percent permanent ice sheet) such a desirable but also such a difficult to keep and to maintain landmass, that situated right between Eurasia and North America and with massive still unexploited stores of natural resources (and in particular so-called rare earth minerals), this, as well as Greenland's mentioned above strategic location have often been and are even now a major source of global political strife and conflict.

And in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump, from the arrival of Erik the Red (and the Vikings) in Greenland in AD 985 through the often horrid and harrowingly exploitative colonial relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark (and especially regarding the native Inuit population of Greenland and which Buchanan depicts in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump unflinchingly and without making any annoying and frustrating Euro-centric excuses) to US President Donald Trump’s recent and ever more covetous, ever more categorically demanding desire to own and to exploit mineral-rich (and important for Trump's expansionist dreams in the Arctic) Greenland, Elizabeth Buchanan enlighteningly and readably (as well as occasionally quite wittily) analyses and explains in and with So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump why Greenland has always been such an important and enticing lure to those who believed they could tame and also exploit this gigantic frozen island with its vast underground riches.

Now albeit I have generally enjoyed reading So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump (and have also learned quite a lot from and through Elizabeth Buchanan's featured text), I must admit that I do not really believe it when she, when Buchanan claims in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump that she is not really involved here, that she has no personal stakes, desires and even no investments here (in Greenland). For as the co-founder of the polar warfare program at West Point's Modern War Institute, Dr. Buchanan's professional reputation would (for me, from where I am standing) certainly be seriously augmented and equally be hugely glorified if in the event of conflict, those very plans were to be picked up and used by the Pentagon.

Furthermore, Elizabeth Buchanan's views in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump are also decidedly pro war and also pretty much sympathetic to Donald Trump’s designs on the icy landmass. But no, no, no, with Trump's recent and continuous annexation threats against Canada, I do find what Donald Trump (and the USA) are saying about and wanting with Greenland pretty intolerable and inexcusable and that Buchanan in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump seemingly accepts, welcomes and condones this (even if not quite as gratingly vociferously and all as all-encompassingly as Trump and his spokespersons), this is rather a bit personally infuriating (because in my own and not so humble opinion, Greenland should either be totally independent or it should with its shared Inuit culture and languages be linked and allied with Arctic Canada and NOT with the United States, however, just to make it clear, I also and certainly do not at all think that Greenland should be absorbed into and become part of Canada).

Yes, Elizabeth Buchanan's the American way is seemingly always better attitude in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump is or at least can get more than a trifle grating. I mean why are the seal oil lamps that were traditionally used by the Inuit in Greenland automatically inferior to kerosene and why is everything "American" far too often kind of depicted as being the greatest thing since sliced bread so to speak in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump? And considering that material progress is often a familiar justification deployed by occupying, by colonising powers, how accommodative Buchanan is to Donald Trump and to the USA regarding their clearly exploitative economic and mostly military designs on Greenland leaves me shaking my head somewhat angrily and frustratingly, even if I also hugely agree with Elizabeth Buchanan's critical eye in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump regarding the Vikings' and the Kingdom of Denmark's presence in Greenland (and that Denmark's hypocrisy of on the one hand promoting the right of Greenland to be independent while at the same times often deliberately stalling is hugely problematic). But indeed and for me, Buchanan asserting in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump that if Greenland became independent, followed by the Faroe Islands, the Kingdom of Denmark would actually simply cease to exist is wrong, is just totally silly, and well, that her totally anti Denmark and even rather majorly anti Europe attitude and stance are pretty one-sidedly horrible and equally also makes Elizabeth Buchanan sound (at least for me and in my opinion) far too much, far too often like a decidedly Donald Trump style American Republicanism and expansionist apologist and tool.

Moreover and just to point out that considering how Denmark and as such also Greenland have some of the most liberal, most supportive and most tolerant LGBTQ and transgender legislation and rights on earth, that in Greenland all healthcare is free, sorry, but after what has been happening in the USA with the current administration in 2025 totally trouncing human rights, diversity and sexual and gender freedom, with Republican politicians and in particular Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, Pete Hesgeth, top military honchos, industrialists etc. obviously hugely hugely intent on owning and perhaps even annexing Greenland, well, if this actually occurred, it could also likely mean that these rights along with the right to protest against Trump and company might very rapidly disappear or at least seriously and severely be lessened in Greenland and for ALL citizens and residents (which I think is something that Buchanan should be at least be considering and acknowledging in So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump but sadly totally ignores, since for Elizabeth Buchanan in my opinion, the USA under Trump becoming increasingly dictatorial, somehow totally seems to be a non-issue and that Greenland becoming increasingly American or even wholly American would automatically somehow mean protection and safeguarding human rights abuses etc. from China and from Russia, that for Buchanan they are the main and total villains and the USA is somehow shiningly positive and democratic, which in 2025 is simply for and to me absolutely no longer the case by any stretch of the, of my imagination).

Thus while much of Elizabeth Buchanan’s narrative for So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump is interesting, has certainly been educational and also performs a genuine and essential service drawing the reader's attention to the fact that many non-Arctic states, among them China and members of the European Union are jostling for a bigger stake in the future of the circumpolar zone and where not that many of their citizens actually live, I have to admit and point out that I equally and certainly do NOT consider the United States really an Arctic nation anyhow, as for me, Alaska does not really count all that much and is certainly much closer ethnically and linguistically to Northern Canada, Siberia and the northern reaches of Scandinavia than to the continental United States and vice versa. And not to mention that I also find it rather academically frustrating and supplemental research and reading unfriendly how Buchanan provides no index for So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump and while there are endnotes, there are no lists of websites and books for further reading, that for me, So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump should not only provide the appreciated notes I have mentioned but also have a separate and user friendly bibliography (so yes, that my three star rating for So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump is probably a wee bit generous on my part, but that what I have enjoyed and appreciated regarding Elizabeth Buchanan's text for So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump does mildly but surely and strongly, decently enough outweigh what I have found problematic, what has textually made me groan).

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know very, very little about Greenland, and I still probably know more than 99 percent of Americans. (Hey, at least I’ve read Smilla's Sense of Snow and watched the Q’s Greenland YouTube channel!) This traces the various — invasions is too strong a word, so let’s go with encounters — in Greenland, dating back to Erik the Red’s arrival in Greenland in A.D. 984 after fleeing a murder charge. The island’s population remains tiny, 57,000, most of whom live on the southern edge, but its natural resources might be very big, attracting unwanted attention. Author Elizabeth Buchanan relates the history and the political intrigue with the right amount of snark to make it fun.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Melville House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Kara Babcock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just because you’re an expert doesn’t mean you can write a popular political science book…. That, unfortunately, is the lesson I take away from So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump. Elizabeth Buchanan is nominally an expert in polar geopolitics. However, her book about the contentious history of Greenland’s settlement and sovereignty is anything but interesting. I received an eARC from NetGalley and publisher Melville House in exchange for a review.

Reader, this book is boring. It shouldn’t be; Buchanan makes a concerted effort to write in a conversational style with a tone that is outright sarcastic at times. She takes potshots at everyone from the Americans (she really wants you to know she isn’t one) to the Danes to the Vikings. I admit to finding her description of Erik the Red as “Ed Sheeran’s head, with a lush siren-red full beard, atop André the Giant’s body” somewhat humorous. However, this sense of humour is detrimental at times to a serious analysis of Greenland’s history and politics. For example, not a few pages later, Buchanan handwaves away Erik the Red’s death:

Not so much for Erik. Erik the Red died in about AD 1003, from something unbefitting a man of his stature or reputation—he simply fell off a horse. Or caught a virus from new Viking settlers. Both stories feature in the history books.

Wikipedia gives me a better summary than this. For a book from someone with a PhD, I’d expect slightly more in-depth research.

Now, maybe I’m being too harsh—Buchanan’s PhD is in Russian Arctic strategy, so maybe Norse history is a bit too much of a stretch. Cool, cool. But even once we get closer to the modern era, this book is sorely lacking rigour. Buchanan passes off a lot of personal opinion as if it’s a foregone conclusion—and while I am willing to grant she knows more about this area than me, I’d like to see more actual analysis instead of just “take me word for it.” There are endnotes, but most of them point to government documents and news reports, not academic articles about these topics.

In short, despite its author’s pedigree, this book doesn’t seem soundly researched or presented to me. And yet, when Buchanan digs in and actually tries to do analysis, that conversational tone runs up against her penchant for detail and jargon. For example, she breaks down the report of a commission about Greenlandic independence section by section in stultifying detail that is at odds with the summarizing, wise-cracking approach at the start of the book.

Indeed, one wonders what the original publication schedule of this book was and whether it might not have been pushed up to capitalize on Trump’s “buying Greenland” malarkey from March of this year. Obviously this book was in the works prior to that, with its subtitle getting a glow-up. I won’t lie—Trump’s comments were why the title of this book caught my eye when I was browsing NetGalley. At the same time, Buchanan has a point: Trump or not, Greenland is clearly an important place in the next fifty years of Arctic interactions.

Alas, if like me you came looking for something that would fill you in on Greenlandic history and politics, you might be disappointed. I mean, this book kind of does that. But I derived zero enjoyment from reading it and found it pretty boring—if you were looking for a book to convince you that reading about geopolitics can be fun, this isn’t it.

Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.

[Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most I’ve ever thought about Greenland

[Lexi W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what I expected out of this book, but I enjoyed that the author discussed some historical context of Greenland, as well as the large part it plays in certain global affairs due to it’s geographic position. Some points were a bit repetitive, but it didn’t detract much from the book overall. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an advanced reader copy! It is now available for everyone to read.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting and written in a very accessible way.

[Brahm Kornbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we are about to head to Greenland for the first time, I wanted to find a book where I could learn more about the people and culture.

This is not that book.

But it sure is interesting.

‘So You Want To Own Greenland’ is a history of the changing international status of Greenland - why it matters, why so many nations covet it, how a land of only 56,000 people can be such a priority, its complicated relationship with Denmark, and the very slow march towards full independence (maybe).

Greenland is important for its strategic location for defence, as well as trade, oil, fishing and minerals. It has survived Vikings, Nazis, nuclear weapons, and world wars. Now a warming icecap, resource scarcity, and new political security tensions are challenging it like never before.

Greenland is especially impacted by climate change; 80% of it is covered by ice, so ice melt is a major issue, as is the warming of waters around Greenland which impacts fisheries and marine mammals.

As the book goes through history and politics, there is lots of cloak and dagger intrigue with WW2 espionage, secret research stations, illegal nuclear weapons, and yes it goes right into Trump world, wrapping up with four potential scenarios for Greenland’s future.

A fast and fascinating read. 4.5 stars out of 5.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book, It will be published on September 4th.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Buchanan’s So You Want to Own Greenland? is a compact and engaging overview of Greenland’s geopolitical significance across history. As a nonfiction work, it’s strongest in its ability to highlight just how often this sparsely populated, icy territory has attracted the ambitions of global powers—from Viking settlers to modern-day superpowers.

The book covers a wide arc: the mysterious disappearance of Viking colonizers, Greenland’s evolution under Danish rule, its peculiar role in World War II, and its status as a Cold War asset for the United States, including the construction of a nuclear-powered base (Camp Century) under the ice. Buchanan also outlines Greenland’s modern relevance, from domestic independence movements to President Trump’s attempt to purchase it.

Buchanan writes with precision and clarity, although truly exploring the Greenlandic viewpoint in more depth would have elevated this book. Most of the narrative is shaped through the lens of external powers, and while that’s essential to the book’s theme, a deeper engagement with local voices would have added welcome texture.

In all, this is a useful and concise guide for readers interested in Arctic politics, environmental history, or international strategy. It doesn’t overreach, but it does effectively explain why Greenland—despite its isolation—has remained a central focus of global ambitions.

Thank you to Melville House Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author tells the reader right up from that Greenland's probable future is boring. But, this book is anything but boring! Like your history with a side of cold sarcasm? Then this is the book for you! Like to impress your friends with random otherwise probably useless facts? Then this is the book for you! What to know what it takes for run the world's largest island? Then this is the book for you! According to the author, and correct, this is basically a buyer's guide to Greenland. Owning Greenland is and would be an expensive, delicate endeavor, easily messed up. I am honestly not sure the US is up to the task! I really enjoyed reading the history of Greenland's path and the part the US has continued to play in it. I have saved a bunch of interesting, odd, humorous, and Jeopardy level facts about Greenland from reading the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Melville House for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Tawney · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance Greenland doesn't seem to warrant any desire for ownership. It's a large island, although not nearly as large as portrayed on most maps, and 80% of it's landmass is covered with ice. From a geopolitical viewpoint, however, it has location, location, location. Buchanan addresses the twists and turns of historic attempts to possess the island and the reasons for them. The Greenland/Denmark relationship is addressed in depth and, yes, it's complicated. The relationship with the U.S. is too, having begun attempts to secure control in 1867. Buchanan is a senior fellow at the Austrailian Strategic Policy Institute. Her writing is straightforward, although with a bit of repetition, and I found her clearly stated viewpoints refreshing, especially regarding the near future.

I received a digital advanced copy compliments of Melville House and NetGalley.

[Mike Heenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book takes the reader through the history of Greenland from Erik the Red to Donald Trump. I went into this book not knowing much about Greenland and learned a lot - the author provides a really informative, unbiased take on the politics of potential change. I would have liked to learn more about the geography and people of Greenland, but I'm sure there are other sources that cover that.

I would recommend this to anyone looking to learn more about the history, politics and intricacies of Greenland.

[Ula Tardigrade · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very timely book, although I suppose that’s both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness, as it feels rushed. It answers many questions about Greenland's recently inflated geopolitical status and offers interesting insights, but it is repetitive in places and mostly ignores the story of Indigenous peoples and their point of view. I would love to learn more about that. The style is strange too, mixing a very laid-back tone with an academic one.

It is still worth reading, as there are few publications on this topic. However, be aware that it is a mixed bag.

Thanks to the publisher, Melville House, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is conversational history a subgenre? Because it should be. Elizabeth Buchanan explains the geopolitics of Greenland and of the Arctic in an engaging and funny way!

The majority of the book is about modern day politics around Greenland. It does discuss the Vikings and how Denmark got its foothold. I only wish there had been more about the indigenous people.

Thank you to NetGalley and Melville House for an eARC of this book! This is my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very rarely dive into non-fiction, but this was totally worth it!

Everything covered was very culturally relevant, yet it’s not a commonly discussed history. There were so many interesting—and sometimes disturbing—facts, that I am now stacked on dinner party conversation for the next few years.

The execution was witty and fun and made it an easy read.

”Now, picture Ed Sheeran’s head, with a lush siren-red full beard, atop André the Giant’s body. Meet Erik the Red.”

Almost everything I read in this book was new information to me, and I had a fun time learning it. If you are at all curious about the looong history of the U.S and Greenland, or of relations between Denmark and Greenland, I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Melville House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Susu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting flight across Greenland history and involvement in the geopolitcal dance - gives you a clearer picture why Trump/Vance have such a love for the island. Very informartive and interesing to read.

[Outimb · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to get a quick update on where are we with Trump, Denmark and Trump, this is the book.
Slightly irritating style of writing and lots of comments how the Trump vs Greenland issue ”sells newspapers” which is totally unnecessary in my opinion.

[Budd Margolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn some fascinating stories and facts about something as vital as Greenland! A huge mass we know so little about and Buchanan takes us through era after era and updates the reader effectively.
A delight!!

[Gabriella Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great primer on Greenland and why it’s sought-after by everyone from the Vikings to Trump Administration.