On Thursday, news broke that Norway is dispatching two members of its Armed Forces to Greenland, a decision that has sparked a wave of debate. The left-wing party, Rødt, argues that this move falls short and is calling for a more substantial military presence.
Bjørnar Moxnes, Rødt’s spokesperson on foreign policy, emphasized the need for stronger deterrents against perceived threats from the United States. “Norway must be prepared to take necessary actions to prevent further escalation,” he stated in an interview with Klassekampen.
Moxnes advocates for sending Norwegian frigates to bolster the country’s support for its Nordic neighbors. He highlighted that last year, Norway contributed significantly to international military efforts, including deploying one frigate, six combat aircraft, and its largest supply ship to the Pacific. “We have invested heavily in operations abroad—from Afghanistan to Libya. Now, our commitment to safeguarding the self-defense of neighboring countries must supersede our willingness to participate in distant American military engagements,” he argued.
Rødt believes that a firmer stance from Norway could facilitate a de-escalation of tensions surrounding Greenland. However, not everyone shares this view. Center Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum cautioned against the logic of deterrence, deeming it “extremely unwise.” He posits that intimidating the Americans serves no purpose, but underlined the importance of standing in solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
The backdrop to this discussion is significant: on the same day that Norway’s military personnel arrived, other European nations—including Sweden, Finland, Germany, and France—also sent troops to Greenland under Danish command. This influx of international military presence coincides with former President Trump’s controversial calls for U.S. control over Greenland, a notion he has not hesitated to suggest might require military action.
As these geopolitical dynamics unfold, the debate within Norway continues, reflecting a broader tension in international relations and national defense strategies.