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Melting ice caps reveals the scourge of colonialism

By ‘Alopi Latukefu. Published on The Interpreter, a daily by The Lowy Institute.

The 20th century was a century of great disruption. An extended history of rampant land grabs and transfers of wealth by European imperial powers under the colonial system came to an apex and collapsed in on itself (think of the world wars) – leading to the rise of the international rules-based order, globalisation and the liberalised trade environment that most of us in recent decades have taken for granted. As our nation, and others, continue to grapple with the legacies of colonialism and environmental exploitation, the recent musings by the incoming President of the United States on Greenland stands as a stark reminder that imperial impulses are bubbling away under the surface of the world’s great powers – even those that purport to be the defenders of freedom and democratic values.

 

Greenland has often been viewed as a strategic asset due to its location and rich natural resources. However, the notion of annexing the island—an idea publicly floated by the former and incoming U.S. President Donald Trump—raises serious concerns about the rights and autonomy of the Indigenous Inuit population, who make up the majority of Greenland’s residents.

 

Have we not learned, that land and the resources it may contain, or the territorial shield it potentially offers are not just tracts to be acquired or assimilated? As Australian’s have come to learn, and are learning every day, land represents a deeper meaning of country and cultural foundation and identity for Indigenous peoples.

 

In 2007, with the establishment of the UN declaration of the rights of Indigenous peoples (UNDRIP), the international community recognised “the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world” . Australia, along with USA, New Zealand and Canada initially rejected this declaration but have since endorsed it – the USA and Canda are ‘revising’ their positions.  Under UNDRIP the international community agrees to uphold the principles of sovereignty, consent, and environmental justice and in the case of Greenland to ensure that its destiny remains in the hands of its rightful stewards.

 

 

President-elect Trump’s musing’s alone show a blatant disregard of Indigenous Rights, history and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, undermine international law and set a dangerous precedent for global politics.  Any action, militarily or through economic pressure, should be unacceptable at the highest level of global solidarity.

 

Greenland has historical and cultural significance beyond European and American interests

 

Under Danish rule since the early 18th century, Greenland was granted home-rule in 1979 and later expanded to self-rule in 2009, with Denmark retaining control over foreign affairs and defence. These political advancements reflect the Inuit people’s gradual reclaiming of their rights to govern their ancestral lands. The notion of external annexation undermines such hard-won strides toward self-determination and is a violation of Indigenous Rights

 

UNDRIP Article 3, explicitly states that Indigenous peoples have the right to determine their political status and freely pursue their development. Annexation, particularly if pursued without the consent of Greenland’s government and its people, violates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which establishes the right to self-determination and consent for any development affecting Indigenous lands.

 

 

As we watch the melting of the polar icecap in the waters around the Arctic circle, are we about to see uncovered the scourge of colonialism?

 

A significant driver behind the potential annexation is Greenland’s vast untapped resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and natural gas. But also, the melting of the polar ice cap – opening previously closed shipping routes through the Arctic. As climate change accelerates the arctic ice melt, these resources have become more accessible, fuelling international interest in Greenland’s economic potential.

 

Unchecked industrial activity and extraction could devastate Greenland’s fragile environment and upend the traditional Inuit way of life. The Arctic ecosystem, already under threat from climate change would be at risk of further degradation. The Inuit, whose survival and culture are deeply connected to the environment, would bear the brunt of these changes, facing further cultural loss, and socio-economic displacement.

 

The reemergence of great power politics and its impact on sovereignty and self-determination

 

The annexation of Greenland would create a new historical precedent. Not only would it encourage other larger nations to disregard the sovereignty of smaller territories – but it also disregards the precedent of friendly alliances and trust in the system including for the US and its partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. There are echoes of the colonial mindset, where powerful nations impose control over Indigenous lands without consultation or regard for those who live and exist on it.

 

Greenland’s self-rule status under Denmark represented a step toward Indigenous empowerment and autonomy. The Inuit fought for and regained a degree of political independence over decades. Any move to annex the island would undermine these achievements. It would signal to the world that Indigenous sovereignty is expendable when it conflicts with the interests of powerful states.

 

Why is this is important to Australia?

 

Today Australia struggles with our colonial history, and who is to say that, in world where resources, land availability, and infrastructure needs are squeezed over the coming decades a new colonial “master” may emerge and, with equal subterfuge as the British, see rich pickings in the land with beauty rich and rare. Once again ignoring the rights of the indigenous people, and those who have arrived since and now call Australia home. While this may seem absurd, surely we all see absurdity in Trump’s current rhetoric.

 

Australia’s people would see any discussion about their home as a potential new piece of real estate for the United States of America as an afront to sovereignty.

Equally we should all be affronted by the blasé plans of Trump – regardless of if they are just musings or something more concrete. The hypothetical annexation proposed by Trump not only ignores the role of Denmark – an ally – it negates the rights of the Indigenous Inuit population, and the progress made in recognising Indigenous sovereignty on the global stage

 

Greenland’s future should be determined by its people, not dictated by foreign powers.

 

Instead of pursuing annexation, international engagement with Greenland should prioritise respectful dialogue and cooperation primarily with its Indigenous people. Partnerships grounded in mutual respect, consent, and adherence to international law would not only support Greenland’s economic development but safeguard Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. This may come with arrangements in terms of national security to the US which are of mutual interest to not only the US but the Inuit themselves. Should the mineral and other resources of Greenland be developed – wouldn’t the world admire a US that doesn’t act as an imperial colonial force – but rather an enlightened international partner who demonstrates it isn’t like others who believe it is their right to invade and take without consideration of those who have history and ties to the land and whose interests in protecting Greenland will extend beyond current major power rivalries geopolitically.

 

Any future action taken by the United States would leave the government of Australia in a precarious situation regarding our ‘first-nations foreign policy approach’ and our relationships with our neighbours. Would Australia consider a re-annexation of Papua New Guinea and annexing other parts of the Pacific in its own national security interests? Should others act as the incoming president is proposing to with other sovereign territories in our region – would Australia act on principle or precedent with its response. Probably less of a focus in the media but equally as important is how the Indigenous and First Nations of the world come together in solidarity to support the Inuit and their rights of self-determination under the principles of the UN declaration of the rights of Indigenous People. If an effective response isn’t forthcoming the question may be asked are any of the international agreements, norms and values that have shaped our world worth the paper their written on?

 

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Acknowledgement: This article was originally published on The Interpreter, a daily by The Lowy Institute. URL: Melting ice caps reveals the scourge of colonialism | Lowy Institute

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