Key Takeaways:
- The potential US takeover of Greenland could have significant implications for NATO and global security
- Canada’s former top soldier, Wayne Eyre, warns that such a move could spell the end of NATO
- The US has made it clear that it wants to take control of Greenland, with officials suggesting that using military force is an option
- Canada must be prepared to hedge against uncertainty and strengthen its alliances, economy, and institutions
- The country should also consider setting up a foreign human intelligence service to gather and analyze its own intelligence
Introduction to the US Interest in Greenland
The US interest in taking control of Greenland has sparked concerns about the potential implications for NATO and global security. According to retired general Wayne Eyre, Canada’s former chief of the defence staff, a US takeover of the area could have far-reaching consequences. In an interview with CBC’s The House, Eyre stated that "we have no history of one NATO partner seizing territory from another" and that such a move could be "the shattering of NATO, much to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s delight." This warning comes as US officials have stepped up their rhetoric around acquiring Greenland, with some even suggesting that using military force is an option.
The Potential Consequences for NATO
The potential consequences of a US takeover of Greenland are significant, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warning that if the US opts to attack another NATO country, "then everything would stop — that includes NATO and therefore post-World War II security." Eyre echoed this sentiment, stating that Canada must be "clear-eyed about the range of possible future scenarios" and must hedge against uncertainty by "coexisting from a position of strength." This includes not only military strength but also strengthening other alliances, the economy, and institutions of democratic governance. The rules-based world order has hit a turning point, and what’s happening now is an "accelerant" of that change, according to Eyre.
Canada’s Response to the Situation
Canada’s response to the situation is crucial, with Jody Thomas, who served as national security adviser to former prime minister Justin Trudeau, noting that Canada has similar minerals and Arctic access as Greenland does. Thomas stated that Canada should be conscious of the fact that it is seeing an unprecedented threat to Canadian sovereignty. Eyre also emphasized the importance of maintaining military relationships with the US, despite the current uncertainty. He stated that even as political relationships go up and down, it’s still prudent for Canada to maintain its military relationships with the US "as we don’t know what’s gonna be happening decades from now."
The Importance of a Foreign Human Intelligence Service
Thomas also suggested that Canada should consider setting up a foreign human intelligence service, like the CIA in the US or MI6 in the UK. This would allow Canada to gather and analyze its own intelligence, rather than relying on intelligence-sharing alliances like the Five Eyes. Thomas noted that setting up a service like that doesn’t mean intelligence-sharing alliances aren’t important, but "we don’t know what they’re not sharing with us." If there’s action taken because of intelligence, Thomas said it would have more credibility if Canada itself has gathered the information. The federal government’s existing spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, co-operates with foreign agencies to get information "which might otherwise not be available to Canada."
The Need for Confidence and Action
As threats continue to change and evolve, Eyre emphasized that Canada still has "so much going for us." However, what the country needs is a sense of confidence in itself and a willingness to do hard things and just deliver and get things done. This includes being prepared to hedge against uncertainty and strengthening its alliances, economy, and institutions. By taking a proactive approach, Canada can ensure its security and sovereignty in the face of an increasingly uncertain global landscape. Ultimately, the potential US takeover of Greenland serves as a wake-up call for Canada to re-evaluate its priorities and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
