Publikationer

Research | Forskning

This chapter discusses the defence futures of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) as a small state-like entity. It explores the strategic options it may have in the future in the context of international relations with the United States and Denmark drawing on Nils Ørvik’s theory for the defence of small s… This chapter discusses the defence futures of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) as a small state-like entity. It explores the strategic options it may have in the future in the context of international relations with the United States and Denmark drawing on Nils Ørvik’s theory for the defence of small states that include: to i) acquire borrowed power (considered the status quo for Kalaallit Nunaat); ii) increase power; or iii) make do with no or inadequate power (symbolic power). The analysis concludes that as Kalaallit Nunaat navigates its defense future, it must balance its historical borrowed power with its aspiration for greater autonomy and self-determination. While geography may be destiny, Kalaallit Nunaat has more leverage or action space than either theory or the United States and Denmark consider. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

Referendums are used to constitute the ‘will of the people’ at a snapshot in time. At the same time, referendums are sometime constitutive of the self-determination of a people. More specifically, a referendum solidifies a certain bounding of a demos by legitimising a certain demarcation of who are… Referendums are used to constitute the ‘will of the people’ at a snapshot in time. At the same time, referendums are sometime constitutive of the self-determination of a people. More specifically, a referendum solidifies a certain bounding of a demos by legitimising a certain demarcation of who are eligible to take part in decision-making. But simultaneously the referendum creates an action space for the people by offering new opportunities in political economy and sometimes foreign policy but also delimiting what kind of affairs are within the bounds of this particular people’s decision-making. This article charts the consecution of referendums – actual and imagined – with a bearing on the (proto-)constitutional expansion and action space of the Greenlandic demos to tease out the empirical dynamics linking referendums at different scales of polity over time. As the article discusses relations within the Kingdom of Denmark and between referendums on European integration (in both Greenland and Denmark proper), Greenlandic decolonisation and expanding autonomy and a hypothetical future version of independence, it sheds new light on the bounded demos problematique in relation to multilevel integration/disintegration dynamics mediated by referendums. In sum, the article analyses how decisions made in one referendum by a demos bounded in one way have bearings on how other demoi are bounded in later referendums, and why this matters to the resulting action spaces for the people’s self-determination being (re-)shaped. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) is undergoing significant environmental transformations due to the confluence of climate change and societal development. This paper reviews existing research on the human dimensions of climate change in Greenland across various sectors, examines how adaptation is occurr… Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) is undergoing significant environmental transformations due to the confluence of climate change and societal development. This paper reviews existing research on the human dimensions of climate change in Greenland across various sectors, examines how adaptation is occurring and the associated barriers and opportunities, assesses climate governance and how decision-making has impacted adaptation, and identifies critical research gaps. Climate changes are having the largest impacts on Greenlanders who practice traditional lifestyles and live in small settlements but are also creating new economic opportunities. More research is needed regarding how to channel these opportunities to benefit Greenlanders, and there are gaps in understanding how non-hunters, women, and children, are being affected by climate change. Climate adaptation in Greenland is an evolving process. Most documented adaptation strategies are community-led and autonomous and there is a need for more proactive and planned adaptation. Additional work is needed to evaluate implemented adaptations, and on potential climate impacts under different warming levels and transformation trajectories. Reported adaptation barriers include historically limited involvement of Kalaallit communities in government-led adaptation planning, insufficient resources, restrictive international and governmental regulations, and limited climate science education. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

This article traces the recent development of security and defence policy in Greenland. Although constitutionally, questions of security and defence have been for Denmark to decide, Greenland has recently begun to formulate its own security and defence policies, as part of its quest to secure intern… This article traces the recent development of security and defence policy in Greenland. Although constitutionally, questions of security and defence have been for Denmark to decide, Greenland has recently begun to formulate its own security and defence policies, as part of its quest to secure international recognition as an actor in its own right, and to play a part in shaping, and benefitting from, vast increases in defence investments. Traditionally, Greenland has cleaved to a pacifist position, and has sought to keep the military presence in the Arctic to a minimum. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the threat of annexation following President Trump’s return to the White House, have raised the stakes over matters of Arctic security. As Greenland has demanded a greater say in negotiations with the Danish government over investments in security, defence policy has come to the fore in the domestic politics of Greenland itself. Læs mere

Communication | Formidling

Greenland, Denmark & America - a triangular relation that augurs benefits for Greenlanders. If that's the case, then... What do Greenlanders think of Mr. Trump's ideas for their island? What do Greenland's indigenous peoples & environmentalists think of America? Why did Denmark change Gree… Greenland, Denmark & America - a triangular relation that augurs benefits for Greenlanders. If that's the case, then... What do Greenlanders think of Mr. Trump's ideas for their island? What do Greenland's indigenous peoples & environmentalists think of America? Why did Denmark change Greenland's status from colony to province? Can Greenland survive economically as an independent nation? What is it like to live in Greenland? How do Greenlanders travel in Greenland? Who are Greenlanders anyway? Finally, is Greenland really that big? Læs mere

Communication | Formidling

Greenland has found itself at the center of international attention, with renewed U.S. interest, shifting power dynamics with Denmark, and a growing push for independence. Associate Professor Ebbe Volquardsen from the University of Greenland unpacks the complexities of Greenland’s evolving political… Greenland has found itself at the center of international attention, with renewed U.S. interest, shifting power dynamics with Denmark, and a growing push for independence. Associate Professor Ebbe Volquardsen from the University of Greenland unpacks the complexities of Greenland’s evolving political landscape and discusses Greenland’s strategic future amid U.S. tensions and Denmark’s stance. What lies ahead for this Arctic nation? Læs mere