Unlikely Scenario: Could the US President Declare War Against Greenland via Denmark?

Speculations about any potential military action initiated by the US against foreign territories, especially involving allies, such as Denmark and its territory Greenland, often arise. These speculations are often rooted in misinformation and a misunderstanding of international laws and alliances.

Declaring War and Congressional Authority

Step 1: Congressional Authority

The U.S. Constitution firmly states that only Congress, not the President, has the power to declare war. This means that even if a U.S. president engages in hostile actions, they must seek Congressional approval. This safeguard ensures that the military power of the nation is not whimsically wielded by a single individual.

In the unlikely event that a president attempts to initiate a military action against Denmark or Greenland, the first hurdle would be the constitutional requirement to obtain Congressional approval. Such a move would likely face significant opposition and could result in a legal challenge.

International Alliances and NATO

Step 2: International Alliances

Denmark, as a member of NATO, has a mutual defense agreement with other NATO member states, including the U.S. Under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all members. Hence, any military action by the U.S. against Denmark would trigger an automatic response from NATO allies, including Canada and most Western European countries.

Canada, for instance, would be required to mobilize its military forces to assist Denmark in defending its territory. This collective defense mechanism would make it extremely difficult for the U.S. to successfully launch an attack against Greenland or Denmark without triggering a multi-national conflict.

Nuclear and Strategic Implications

Step 3: Nuclear and Strategic Implications

Greenland's strategic importance cannot be overlooked. The island hosts several U.S. military installations, including radar stations that play a crucial role in missile defense and surveillance. One of the primary targets of any hypothetical attack on Greenland would likely be a radar installation designed to detect incoming nuclear threats from Russia.

A military confrontation initiated by the U.S. against Greenland could trigger a defensive response from Russia, aiming to protect its interests. This could escalate into a much wider conflict involving nuclear powers, making the scenario highly dangerous and unlikely to be pursued by any rational actor.

Political and Ethical Implications

Step 4: Political and Ethical Implications

Political and ethical considerations also play a significant role. Denmark is a key ally of the U.S., having joined and supported every U.S. war since the 1990s. The idea of the U.S. attacking Denmark flies in the face of the principles of international cooperation and mutual respect.

Furthermore, such an action would likely be met with strong international condemnation and legal scrutiny. Given the impeachment proceedings against former President Trump, it would be nearly impossible for a current or future U.S. president to gain the necessary support, both politically and legally, to initiate such a conflict.

From a moral standpoint, the concept of violating allied territory for any reason is deeply troubling. It would be considered high treason in every sense of the term, and any attempt to do so would face severe consequences, not just domestically but also internationally.

Conclusion

The idea of the U.S. president declaring war against Greenland via Denmark is a hypothetical and impractical scenario. It would face numerous legal, political, and strategic obstacles, making it an unlikely event. The international laws, NATO alliances, and the strategic importance of Greenland in the context of nuclear and missile defense all contribute to making such a move logistically and ethically infeasible.