Under most circumstances, empires are more trouble than they’re worth. The exceptions are when the mother country has the ability and the willingness to ruthlessly exploit the people and resources of the colony for its own purposes (Spain, Rome) or when the colony can provide significant manpower for war (Team GB in World War I). With those principles in mind, how does acquiring Greenland stack up?
It doesn’t. Greenland is a possession of a NATO ally, and it has a very small population. National security is already guaranteed by Denmark’s ownership. Greenland’s resources can be purchased and used by Americans on the same terms as anyone else. What’s the point?
Well, I guess it makes sense if you assume NATO is about to pass away.